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Michael Shannon

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BIO

Two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon is making his mark working with many of the industry's most honored talents and treading the boards in the world's most respected theatres. Recently, Shannon starred in the Academy Award-winning Shape of Water. He has appeared opposite Andrew Garfield in 99 Homes, and co-starred with Julianne Moore and Ellen Page in Freeheld. Shannon has also starred in The Night Before opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Lizzy Caplan, and Jeff Nichol's Midnight Special opposite Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Joel Edgerton and Sam Shepard. Shannon's previous collaborations with Nichols include Take Shelter, for which he received a 2011 Film Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actor; as well as the films Mud and Shotgun Stories. Shannon has also starred in Siofra Campbell's The Price opposite Noomi Rapace, Werner Herzog's Salt and Fire, Liza Johnson's Elvis & Nixon, Matthew M. Ross' Frank and Lola opposite Imogen Poots, and Untitled Joshua Marston Project, co-starring opposite Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates and Danny Glover. Most notably, Shannon made his mark in an Oscar-nominated supporting role in Revolutionary Road, directed by Sam Mendes, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Kathy Bates. With over forty roles in film, Shannon's credits include John McNaughton's The Harvest, Jake Paltrow's The Young Ones, Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, Ariel Vromen's The Iceman, David Koepp's Premium Rush, Liza Johnson's Return, Marc Forster's Machine Gun Preacher, Floria Sigismondi's The Runaways, Werner Herzog's My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done and Bad Lieutenant, Sydney Lumet's Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Oliver Stone's World Trade Center, William Friedkin's Bug, Curtis Hanson's Lucky You, Michael Bay's Bad Boys II, Curtis Hanson's 8 Mile, David McNally's Kangaroo Jack, Cameron Crowe's Vanilla Sky, Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor, John Waters' Cecil B. DeMented, Noah Buschel's The Missing Person and Shana Feste's The Greatest. For all his roles on screen, Shannon maintains a connection to theatre. In 2012, Shannon appeared opposite Paul Rudd, Ed Asner, and Kate Arrington in Grace at the Cort Theatre, for which he was nominated for a 2013 Distinguished Performance Drama League Award. In 2010, he led Craig Wright's Off-Broadway play, Mistakes Were Made, at the Barrow Street Theater, which earned him an Outstanding Lead Actor Lortel Award nomination, an Outstanding Actor in a Play Drama Desk Award nomination, an Outstanding Solo Performance Outer Critics Award nomination, and a Distinguished Performance Drama League Award nomination. Shannon also starred in Roundabout Theatre Company's Long Day's Journey Into Night, earning a Tony Award nomination. Additional theatre credits include Uncle Vanya (Soho Rep Theatre), Our Town(Barrow Street Theatre), Lady (Rattlestick Theatre), The Metal Children (Vineyard Theatre), The Little Flower of East Orange (Public Theatre), The Pillowman and Man From Nebraska (Steppenwolf Theatre), Bug (Barrow Street Theatre, Red Orchid Theatre and Gate Theatre), Mr. Kolpert and The Killer (Red Orchid Theatre), Killer Joe (SoHo Playhouse, Next Lab Theatre and Vaudeville Theatre), The Idiot (Lookingglass Theatre) and Woyzeck (Gate Theatre). On television, Shannon's credits include Martin Scorsese's HBO series, "Boardwalk Empire," co-starring Steve Buscemi and Kelly MacDonald.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Theatre for a New Audience Off-Broadway Production, 2023
Estragon

[Off-Broadway]
TFANA's Off-Broadway Production, 2021
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Johnny

[Off-Broadway]
Barrow Street Theatricals Off-Broadway Production, 2018
Guest Performer

[Broadway]
Roundabout Broadway Revival, 2016
James Tyrone Jr.

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2012
Neighbour

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Transfer, 2010
Felix Artifex

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2009
Stage Manager [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Danny

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Peter Evans

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Chris Smith

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1972
Chad

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Ralph Austin [Replacement]

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
General Manager
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
General Manager

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2020 - Distinguished Performance Award

Michael Shannon, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award

Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Michael Shannon, Long Day's Journey Into Night

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Michael Shannon, Grace

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Michael Shannon, Mistakes Were Made

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Michael Shannon, Mistakes Were Made

The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Michael Shannon, Mistakes Were Made


winner
Obie Awards - 2004 - Performance

Michael Shannon, Bug

The Lortels - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Michael Shannon, Bug

Videos

News


Lesley Ann Warren to Join CLUE Screening at the Marcus Performing Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of CLUE: The Movie, original film star Lesley Ann Warren (Miss Scarlett) will travel to the Marcus Performing Arts Center for a special screening of the fan favorite film.
Photos: First Look At PARANORMAL ACTIVITY At Center Theater Group
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 14, 2025

Production photos have been released from Center Theatre Group’s presentation of Paranormal Activity, the new stage production with an original story inspired by Paramount Pictures’ film franchise. 
THIS PURPLE F**KING POT to Have Pop-Up Performances at a Secret Midtown Office Space
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2025

Glengarry Glen Ross meets The Office in This Purple F**king Pot, written by Andrew Moorhead and directed by Jordan Goodsell, is getting a special limited Pop-Up, site-specific presentation at an undisclosed Midtown Office Space. 
JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG And ON THE BEACH To Screen At KAT KRAMER’S FILMS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025

The Fine Arts Theatre Beverly Hills and Kat Kramer’s Films That Change the World will present a Stanley Kramer double feature on November 23, 2025. The program includes Judgment at Nuremberg and On the Beach, with a live panel discussion moderated by Kat Kramer.
Kathleen Chalfant and Ellen McLaughlin Will Lead PEN PALS at DR2
by Stephi Wild - Oct 3, 2025

Following its acclaimed Off-Broadway premiere, producer Lisa Dozier Shacket has announced the return of Pen Pals this summer at the DR2 Theatre for a strictly limited engagement.
LDK Productions Unveils Promotions of Michael and Logan DeWitt
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2025

 LDK Productions, a leader in artist-centered theatrical management and production, has revealed two promotions within the company. Learn more about the changes being made here!
Leo Lionni's FREDERICK to Kick Off Chicago Children's Theatre's 20th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 5, 2025

Chicago Children’s Theatre, the city’s first and largest professional theater devoted to young audiences, will kick off its 2025-26, 20th anniversary season with Leo Lionni’s Frederick.
Shakespeare Theatre Company Sets Cast For PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
by Michael Major - Sep 3, 2025

This North American premiere from Levi Holloway (Broadway’s Grey House) and Punchdrunk’s Felix Barrett (Sleep No More) features illusions by Tony Award winner Chris Fisher (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Stage Show Coming to the Ahmanson Theatre
by Michael Major - Sep 3, 2025

Paranormal Activity, in its North American premiere production, is from Levi Holloway, who chilled Broadway audiences with his Tony Award-nominated Grey House in 2023.
A Red Orchid Theatre Will Open 33rd Season With World Premiere of VEAL
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 25, 2025

A Red Orchid Theatre will open its 33rd Season with the world premiere of Jojo Jones’ Veal, directed by Ensemble Member dado, running September 25–November 2, 2025. The dark comedy follows a newly crowned queen forced to confront old friendships and betrayals. Tickets are on sale beginning August 26 at aredorchidtheatre.org.
Michael Shannon, Paul Sparks & More Will Take Part in TRUE WEST Staged Reading at The Cherry Lane Theatre
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 25, 2025

The Cherry Lane Theatre, the Off-Broadway venue now owned by film studio A24, has unveiled more of its opening week programming, including events featuring Spike Lee, Sofia Coppola, Jodie Foster, Michael Shannon, and more.
Photos: Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, & More in DEATH BY LIGHTNING Historical Drama Series
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 21, 2025

New first-look photos have been released for Netflix's Death by Lightning, a new limited series that brings to life the story of President James Garfield and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. Take a look at the photos, featuring Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen and Oh, Mary! star Betty Gilpin.
Review: A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN, Almeida
by Alexander Cohen - Jun 26, 2025

We are in an American provincial backwater. Characters bursting with steamy yearning squashed into the intimacy of the Almedia so close you’d think you can smell the bourbon on their hot breath. A pinch of expressionist flare as garnish and you have the Rebecca Frecknall formula: Summer and Smoke, Streetcar, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. This time the director takes on a lesser-known Eugene O’Neill. If it isn’t broke don’t fix it?
BE MORE CHILL to Run at Old Joint Stock Theatre This August
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 20, 2025

The Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham will present BE MORE CHILL this August, featuring a full cast led by Tom Dickerson and Maya Jade Frank, marking the venue’s first Equity House Agreement production.
NUREMBERG, Starring Russell Crowe, Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 18, 2025

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American and worldwide airline rights to James Vanderbilt’s Nuremberg starring Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, and Michael Shannon.
The Best Tony Awards Fashions of the 2020s
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2025

Let’s take a look back at some of the most unforgettable looks that turned the Tony Awards into a true fashion spectacle. Check out photos of all of our favorite Tony Awards fashions of the 2020s!
PEN PALS to Return to DR2 with a Rotating Cast Featuring Kathleen Chalfant, Kate Burton and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025

Following its Off-Broadway premiere, Pen Pals will return this summer at the DR2 Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photo: Michael Shannon and Ruth Wilson in A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 22, 2025

You can now get a first look at newly released artwork for Rebecca Frecknall's production of A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O'Neill. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
Photos: First Look At REVOLUTION At The Flea Theatre Siggy Space
by A.A. Cristi - May 19, 2025

All new production photos have been released from Revolution, produced by Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire, Knives Out), now open at The Flea Theater’s Siggy Space in Tribeca and running through June 7th.
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS UKRAINE @THE TANK to be Presented in June
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2025

The Tank will present YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS UKRAINE @THE TANK, the first New York production of two plays from Young Playwrights Ukraine. Learn more here and see how to attend!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Michael Shannon been in?

Michael Shannon has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Michael Shannon been in?

Michael Shannon has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Michael Shannon been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Grace, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Mistakes Were Made, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Mistakes Were Made, Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Mistakes Were Made, Performance (Obie Awards) for Bug and Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Bug.

What awards has Michael Shannon won?

Michael Shannon has won several prestigious awards for his performances. He received the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for Long Day's Journey Into Night. Additionally, he won the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same play. Shannon also earned the Performance award at the Obie Awards for his role in Bug.

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