Michael Shannon’s Attitude Toward Acting Is a Whole Vibe

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 S