Ian McShane

Ian David McShane (born 29 September 1942) is an English actor and voice artist. He is known for his television roles, particularly the title role in Lovejoy (1986–1994), Al Swearengen in Deadwood (2004–2006), Tai Lung in Kung Fu Panda (2008), and Blackbeard in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. He portrays Mr. Wednesday in the Starz series American Gods. 2Early life McShane was born in Blackburn, Lancashire to Irene (née Cowley; b. 1921) and Scottish footballer Harry McShane (1920–2012). His father was Scottish, and his mother, who was born in England, was of Irish and English descent. McShane grew up in Davyhulme, Manchester and attended Stretford Grammar School. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was still a student there when he appeared in his first film, The Wild and the Willing (1962). McShane was a member of the National Youth Theatr