Michael Shannon

Actor Michael Shannon poses for a portrait during the Santa Barbara Film Festival in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009. Shannon was born Aug. 7, 1974, in Lexington, Ky. He was raised by his divorced parents in both Kentucky and Chicago, where his father, Donald S. Shannon, was an accounting professor at DePaul University.

Actor Michael Shannon, nominated for best actor in a supporting role for his work in "Revolutionary Road", poses for a portrait in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. Shannon began his career as a stage actor in Chicago, where he helped found A Red Orchid Theatre. He has since worked with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre, and other groups.

Michael Shannon is shown in a scene from, "Revolutionary Road." Shannon was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in the film. Shannon made his film debut with a small role in "Groundhog Day" in 1993 as a wedding groom. He also had roles in "Jesus' Son," "Pearl Harbor," "8 Mile" and "Vanilla Sky."

Michael Shannon, nominated for best actor in a supporting role for "Revolutionary Road," arrives at the Academy Award luncheon in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. Shannon appeared in "Kangaroo Jack" (2003), his third Jerry Bruckheimer production. He also appeared in "Bad Boys II" (2003), directed by Michael Bay and starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

Michael Shannon, arrives at the Academy Award luncheon in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. His other film credits also include "Grand Theft Parsons" (2003), with Johnny Knoxville and Christina Applegate; Carl Franklin's "High Crimes" (2002) with Morgan Freeman; Pearl Harbor (2001) also directed by Bay; John Waters' "Cecil B. DeMented" (2000) and Joel Schumacher's war drama "Tigerland" (2000).

Actor Michael Shannon, right, nominated for best actor in a supporting role for "Revolutionary Road," and German Director Werner Herzog, are seen at the Academy Award luncheon in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009.

Oscar nominee Michael Shannon arrives at the Directors Guild of America Awards on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, in Los Angeles. He was nominated for his supporting role in "Revolutionary Road."

Actors, from left, Viola Davis, Michael Shannon, Rosemarie DeWitt, Richard Jenkins, and Melissa Leo pose for a portrait during the Santa Barbara Film Festival in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009.

Actor Michael Shannon poses Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, in Park City, Utah. Shannon was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in "Revolutionary Road."

Director Sam Mendes poses with "Revolutionary Road" cast members at the premiere in Los Angeles on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008. From left are Michael Shannon, Zoe Kazan, Kathryn Hahn, Kathy Bates, Mendes, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and David Harbour.

Michael Shannon, left, and Ashley Judd, pose with director William Friedkin, right, before a news conference for the movie "Bug" Thursday, May 10, 2007, in New York. Shannon originated the role of Peter Evans in "Bug" in 2004 and also starred in the 2007 film adaptation with Judd and Harry Connick, Jr., directed by Friedkin.

Director David McNalley, left, actress and model Estella Warren, and actors Jerry O'Connell, Anthony Anderson and Michael Shannon pose at a screening of "Kangaroo Jack," Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003, in Los Angeles.