Ian McShane is an English director and actor, known to the young generation of viewers primarily for the film "Snow White and the Hunter" and the TV series "Deadwood", "Game of Thrones."
Childhood
Ian McShane, whose films are now very popular, was born on September 29, 1942 in Blackburn in Lancashire, UK.
His parents, Harry and Irene McShane, dreamed that his son would become a footballer and fall into the professional team of Manchester United. The fact is that Ian's father, Harry, was a sportsman and played for this team. The boy was not destined to realize parental dreams.
He grew up a child in the small town of Urmson, studied at the gymnasium. Then he entered the Academy of Dramatic Art. Hard work, obvious acting talent - this is what Ian McShane stood out among other students during his studies.
Films and TV shows in which Ian acted as an actor
After graduating from the Academy of Dramatic Art, Ian is invited to appear in the melodrama Wild and the Thirsty. The film was released in 1962. The actor played the role of a student with rebellious inclinations from a university in a provincial town. Then there were the films “Gypsy Girl” in 1966 directed by J. Mills, in 1969 - “The Battle for England” directed by Guy Hamilton, in 1971 - “The Scoundrel” by Michael Tachner.
During his career, McShane has played in more than a hundred films and series. Significant work in the filmography of the actor is considered to be the series “Jesus of Nazareth” and “Deadwood”.
“Jesus of Nazareth” came out in 1977. The famous director Franco Zeffirrelli shot the series. In this project, McShane played the role of Judah.
In 1986, the television series Lovejoy was released. The role of fraudster and antiquarian Lovejoy brought Ian widespread recognition and success on an international scale.
In America, Ian is known primarily as an actor who played the role of Englishman Don Lockwood in the television series Dallas.
In 2000, the actor again appeared on the television screen, this time in the film directed by Jonathan Glaser. The brutal gangster performed by McShane in the movie "Sexual Creature" turned out to be convincing and memorable.
In 2004, the actor played Ella Svirengen in the Western Deadwood series. Subsequently, the Golden Globe Award in the category "Best Drama Actor" received actor Ian McShane for his role in the series "Deadwood".
The actor loves and often voices various animated films. He took part in work on such tapes as “Kung Fu Panda”, “SpongeBob”, “Shrek 3”, “Golden Compass”.
Ian McShane has a wonderful voice, so he is often invited to participate in musicals. Many probably saw the "Witches of Eastwick", where Ian McShane played the role of Daryl Van Horne.
“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” and “Snow White and the Hunter”
By the roles in these two films, released not so long ago, Ian is most often recognized on the streets now.
The fourth part of the collection “Pirates of the Caribbean” was released in 2011. In this film, Ian McShane performed in the image of a Blackbeard. The director of the film was Rob Marshall, and the producer was Jerry Bruckheimer. This film is not the first in a collection of stories about pirates of the Caribbean with Johnny Depp as Jack. Two other main roles in the film were played by Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. Filming took place in the Hawaiian Islands. The plot is based on the search for the source of eternal youth, which are the kings of England and Spain, as well as the pirate Blackbeard. The role of the daughter of Blackbeard in the film "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" was performed by actress Penelope Cruz. The tape received various reviews from critics. Nevertheless, the film had a record box office. After watching the picture, the audience repeatedly noted how wonderful McShane played his role in it.
In the film "Snow White and the Hunter," Ian McShane played the role of one of the gnomes, a friend of Snow White. Cash fantasy movie was released in 2012. Director - Rupert Sanders. The main roles in the film were played by Kristen Stewart and Chris Hamsworth.
According to the plot of the film, the evil sorceress sends the hunter Eric to the Dark Forest in search of Snow White. She wants to kill her and gain immortality. Eric finds a girl in the forest and falls in love with her. The eight gnomes that Snow White and the hunter meet along the way help them defeat the sorceress.
This film also received mixed reviews from critics.
Theater and directorial work
Ian McShane has repeatedly participated in various theater productions. He played in London theaters, he could be seen on Broadway. Currently, the actor not only acts in films, but also continues to play in the theater.
The acting talent and success of McShane is undeniable at the moment, so Ian is now trying his hand as a director. McShane made his first attempts to work in a new capacity at the time of filming in Lovejoy.
Personal life
In 1977, in Blackbourne, the actor began an affair with Sylvia Christel. They met at the production of The Fifth Musketeer and it is symbolic that their relationship also lasted exactly five years. The couple broke up due to Ian's frequent tours and due to the fact that he was rarely at home. Now the actor is married to Gwen Humble.