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Ian McShane

Acting Born Sep 29, 1942 Blackburn, Lancashire, England, UK 179 credits

Biography

Ian David McShane is a Scottish-English actor born on September 29, 1942, in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. With a career spanning decades, he has established himself as a prominent figure in both television and film. Known for his extensive body of work, McShane has accumulated 166 known credits throughout his professional life. He is recognized for his versatility in portraying complex characters across various genres. His contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him significant critical acclaim, including prestigious industry awards and nominations for his performances in high-profile television projects. McShane continues to be a respected presence in the acting community, maintaining a long-standing career that began in the early 1960s.

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Career

Career overview

Ian McShane first gained prominence in film with his role as Harry Brown in the 1962 production The Wild and the Willing, followed by his appearance as Charlie Cartwright in If It. His television career is marked by several iconic performances, most notably the title role in the BBC series Lovejoy, which aired from 1986 to 1994. He later achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of Al Swearengen in the series Deadwood between 2004 and 2006, a role he reprised for the 2019 film continuation. Additionally, he portrayed Mr. Wednesday in the series American Gods from 2017 to 2021.

McShane has received significant industry recognition for his work on Deadwood. For his performance in the original series, he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama and earned a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Beyond his acting contributions, he has also engaged in production work, receiving a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Television Movie as a producer for the Deadwood film. With 166 known credits to his name, McShane remains a prolific and decorated performer in the television and film landscape.

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Frequent co-stars

Career timeline

BallerinaDeep CoverWick Is Pain
Kung Fu Panda 4American StarAmerican Star · Producer
ONE PIECEJohn Wick: Chapter 4
My Father's Dragon
Robbo: The Bryan Robson Story
The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU
The Kelly Clarkson ShowJohn Wick: Chapter 3 - ParabellumHellboyBoldenDeadwood: The Movie
A Wizard's TaleAge of Sail
American GodsJohn Wick: Chapter 2JawbonePottersville
GrimsbyDoctor ThorneThe Hollow PointBilal: A New Breed of Hero
Late Night with Seth MeyersOff Camera with Sam JonesJohn WickHerculesCuban Fury
Ray DonovanRay DonovanJack the Giant SlayerHow We Used to Live
Snow White and the Huntsman
Game of ThronesAmerican Horror StoryPirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
The Pillars of the EarthThe Sorcerer's Apprentice
CoralineKingsCase 3944 Inch Chest44 Inch Chest · Executive Producer
Kung Fu PandaDeath Race
Shrek the ThirdThe Golden CompassHot RodThe Seeker: The Dark Is RisingThe Dame Edna Treatment
The One ShowScoopWe Are Marshall
Nine Lives
Deadwood
Real Time with Bill MaherAgent Cody BanksTrustTerror in MoscowNemesis Game
The Twilight ZoneMan and BoyBollywood Queen
Friday Night with Jonathan RossIn DeepSexy BeastThe Making of Sexy Beast
Law & Order: Special Victims UnitThe West WingD.R.E.A.M. Team
Babylon 5: The River of Souls
Traders of the Lost Scrolls
The Daily ShowMadsonMadson · Producer
The Naked TruthSoul Survivors
White Goods

Full filmography