Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 31, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actor

Michael Shannon

Michael Corbett Shannon is an American actor, director, and producer born in Lexington, Kentucky, on August 7, 1974.

Updated July 31, 20261 min readCited sources

Michael Shannon is an American actor known for intense performances in film, television, and theatre. He has earned two Oscar nominations and a Tony nomination.

What it is

Michael Corbett Shannon was born August 7, 1974, in Lexington, Kentucky. He built his career through Chicago theatre before gaining wider recognition for his forceful, psychologically complex roles on screen and stage.

Key details

Shannon's notable film credits include Revolutionary Road, Take Shelter, 99 Homes, Nocturnal Animals, and Man of Steel. On television, he appeared in Boardwalk Empire and the miniseries George & Tammy. His stage work includes a Tony-nominated turn in Long Day's Journey Into Night.

Awards and recognition

Shannon received Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for Revolutionary Road (2008) and Nocturnal Animals (2016). He also earned nominations for a Tony Award, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, reflecting his range across performance mediums.

In short

  • Two-time Oscar nominee for Best Supporting Actor.
  • Known for intense, psychologically complex characters.
  • Tony-nominated stage actor.
  • Notable roles include Revolutionary Road, Take Shelter, Boardwalk Empire.
Canadian angle

Michael Shannon has a notable international screen profile and appears in films and series distributed in Canada through major theatrical, streaming, and television releases.

Quick questions

Who is Michael Shannon?
Michael Shannon is an American actor, director, and producer known for intense performances in film, television, and theatre.
What is Michael Shannon known for?
He is known for roles in Revolutionary Road, Take Shelter, 99 Homes, Nocturnal Animals, Man of Steel, Boardwalk Empire, and George & Tammy.
Has Michael Shannon won an Academy Award?
No, but he has received two Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Shannon
    Supports: Full name, birth date, nationality, Oscar nominations, and selected film credits.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Shannon
    Supports: Birthplace, occupation, stage training in Chicago, and major award nominations.
  3. Broadway.com — https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/michael-shannon/profile/
    Supports: Tony nomination, stage credits, and theatre work.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/mike_shannon
    Supports: Birth date and notable film credits.