Date of Birth: September 29, 1942
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Biography
Ian McShane is a celebrated British actor known for his dynamic performances in television and film. He was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. McShane gained international fame for his portrayal of the charismatic and morally complex character Al Swearengen in the critically acclaimed HBO series “Deadwood.” His career spans over five decades and includes notable roles in “Lovejoy,” “American Gods,” and “John Wick.” McShane began his acting career in the early 1960s, quickly establishing himself as a versatile actor with a commanding screen presence. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he honed his craft. His breakout role came in the 1980s with the BBC series “Lovejoy,” where he played a roguish antiques dealer, earning him widespread popularity in the UK. In addition to his television work, McShane has also appeared in numerous films, including “Sexy Beast,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” and “Snow White and the Huntsman.” His deep, gravelly voice has made him a sought-after voice actor, and he has lent his voice to various animated projects and video games. McShane’s career has been marked by a willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles, often playing antiheroes and complex characters. His work has earned him several awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama for his role in “Deadwood.”
5 Interesting Facts about Ian McShane
1. Ian McShane’s father, Harry McShane, was a professional footballer who played for Manchester United.
2. He was initially cast to play the role of Blackbeard in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” after impressing producers with his performance in “Deadwood.”
3. McShane has a keen interest in sports, particularly soccer, and is a lifelong fan of Manchester United.
4. He turned down a role in “Game of Thrones” multiple times before finally agreeing to a guest appearance in the sixth season.
5. McShane was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2017 Queen’s New Year Honours List for his services to drama.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ian McShane
1. “One of the benefits of getting older is that you get to be a little more selective about the roles you take on.”
2. “You don’t become an actor to be famous. You become an actor to act.”
3. “The best thing about acting is that I get to lose myself in a role and become someone else for a little while.”
4. “I love playing complex characters. It’s what keeps me interested in the work.”
5. “Deadwood was a turning point in my career. It allowed me to explore a character in depth and work with an incredible cast and crew.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ian McShane’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Ian McShane has two children from his first marriage to Suzan Farmer. He has a daughter, Kate McShane, and a son, Morgan McShane.
Relevant Links
1. [Ian McShane IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0574534/
2. [Ian McShane Biography on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_McShane
3. [Ian McShane on Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ian_mcshane
