Michael Shannon

Michael Shannon can give a quietly nuanced supporting turn—or flat-out steal the show—all in service of whatever story he’s helping tell. What are the secrets to his endlessly compelling performances? “Usually if you want to have a career in this business, it’s gonna involve doing a lot of things that scare you, and at first may seem unwise,” he tells Backstage. “But you just have to be willing to take those risks, I guess.” Although wary of putting a name to his techniques or giving ironclad, how-to advice to up-and-coming artists, Michael does so with clarity and generosity. With roots in Kentucky and Illinois, Michael got his start on Chicago stages, collaborating with Tracy Letts and founding A Red Orchid Theatre. His theater work eventually led to a Broadway career, including a Tony nomination for “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” while his on-camera work went from appearances in “Groundhog Day” and “8 Mile” to star turns in “Kangaroo Jack,” “99 Homes,” “Take Shelter,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Man of Steel,” “Midnight Special,” “Elvis & Nixon,” “The Shape of Water,” “Knives Out,” and Academy Award nominations for supporting roles in “Revolutionary Road” and “Nocturnal Animals.” The actor-producer-musician can now be seen as grieving family man Napoleon Marconi on Hulu’s TV adaptation of “Nine Perfect Strangers” from David E. Kelley and Nicole Kidman. Also in today’s episode: Kasey Howe once again joins Jack to preview the year’s upcoming film festivals and awards. Get ready for an exciting season over at backstage.com: https://bit.ly/3ndnQdT --- Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ Follow Backstage and In the Envelope on social media: - https://www.facebook.com/backstage - https://www.twitter.com/backstage - https://www.twitter.com/intheenvelope - https://www.instagram.com/backstagecast Looking to get cast? Subscribe here: www.backstage.com/subscribe Browse Backstage casting listings: https://bit.ly/3mth68e Check out our community-driven virtual programming, The Slate: https://bit.ly/2WDNXf0 Backstage stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement: https://bit.ly/3cuMBt5 Special thanks to... - Host: Jack Smart - Producer: Jamie Muffett - Social media: Katie Minard, Alysa Cirelli - Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins - Additional support: Christine McKenna-Tirella, Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis