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Ian McShane
McShaneTamLinRio311022 (1 of 21) (52470810951) (cropped).jpg
McShane in October 2022
Born
Ian David McShane

(1942-09-29) 29 September 1942 (age 82)
Alma mater Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Occupation Actor
Years active 1962–present
Spouse(s)
  • Suzan Farmer
    (m. 1965; div. 1968)
  • Ruth Post
    (m. 1970; div. 1975)
  • Gwen Humble
    (m. 1980)
Children 2
Parent(s)
  • Harry McShane (father)

Ian David McShane (born on September 29, 1942) is a famous English actor. He is well-known for his many roles on television and in movies.

Some of his most famous TV roles include playing Lovejoy in the BBC series Lovejoy. He also played Al Swearengen in the show Deadwood and Mr. Wednesday in American Gods. For his role in Deadwood, McShane won a Golden Globe Award.

In movies, he is known for playing Blackbeard in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. He also plays Winston Scott in the popular John Wick film series.

Early Life and Training

Ian McShane, York Mystery Plays, 1963
A young Ian McShane as Satan in the York Mystery Plays, 1963

Ian David McShane was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, on September 29, 1942. He was the only child of Irene and Harry McShane. His father, Harry, was a professional footballer from Scotland.

Ian grew up in Davyhulme, Lancashire. He went to Stretford Grammar School. After high school, he joined the National Youth Theatre. This is a group for young people who want to act.

He then studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). This is a very famous acting school in London. While still a student, he got his first movie role in The Wild and the Willing (1962).

Acting Career Highlights

Ian McShane has had a long and successful acting career. He has appeared in many popular TV shows and films.

Television Successes

In the United Kingdom, McShane is best known for playing Lovejoy. This character was an antiques dealer in the TV series Lovejoy (1986-1994). The show was very popular for many years.

In the United States, he became famous for his role as Al Swearengen in the HBO series Deadwood. This show was about a real historical figure in the American Old West. McShane won a Golden Globe Award for this role in 2005.

He also played Mr. Wednesday in the fantasy series American Gods (2017–2021). Another notable TV role was Brother Ray in Game of Thrones in 2016.

Notable Film Roles

McShane has played many different characters in movies. He was the villainous Blackbeard in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). He also voiced characters in animated films.

He was the voice of Captain Hook in Shrek the Third. He also voiced Tai Lung in Kung Fu Panda and Mr. Bobinsky in Coraline.

More recently, he has been a key part of the John Wick action movie series. He plays Winston Scott, the owner of the Continental Hotel. He has appeared in all four John Wick films so far.

Other Projects

In 1985, Ian McShane was featured on Grace Jones' album Slave to the Rhythm. He provided narration throughout the album.

He also released his own music album in 1992 called From Both Sides Now. This album featured him singing cover versions of popular songs.

Personal Life

Ian McShane is married to American actress Gwen Humble. They got married on August 30, 1980. They live in Venice, California, in the United States.

McShane has two children, Kate and Morgan, from a previous marriage. He also has three grandchildren through his eldest daughter.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ian McShane para niños

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