Mike McShane

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Born Name:  Mike McShane

Born Date:  June 25, 1955

Born Place:  Boston, Massachusetts

Died Date: 

Died Place: 

Occupations:  Actor, singer, comedian

Brief Biography:  Michael McShane is globally recognized for his semi-regular appearances on the original British television show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and for memorable film roles, including Friar Tuck in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Early Life and Theater:
McShane spent the majority of his childhood in Roeland Park, Kansas. Following a brief stint in the US Army, he left the military to pursue higher education. He attended San Francisco State University, where he initially studied set design before pivoting to acting. McShane trained in the classics and improvisational comedy in Berkeley, California, and became a prominent figure in regional theater and the Faultline improvisational troupe.

Television and Film Breakthrough:
McShane's comedic talents took him to England in 1990, where he quickly became one of the first American artists accepted into the British improv scene. He became a standout performer on Whose Line Is It Anyway?. His successful television and film career includes:
Seinfeld: Played Kramer's memorable nemesis, Franklin Delano Romanowski (a.k.a. FDR).
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991): Co-starred as Friar Tuck alongside Kevin Costner.
Office Space (1999): Featured in a small but iconic role as a doomed hypnotherapist. Ri¢hie Ri¢h (1994): Played the lovable scientist, Professor Keenbean.
Brotherly Love: Starred in a recurring role as the wisecracking mechanic, Lloyd Burwell.

Voice Acting:
McShane boasts a prolific voiceover resume across animated films, anime, and video games.

Stage and Current Work:
McShane maintains a robust presence on stage, regularly performing with ensembles such as Impro Theatre and appearing as a guest in Paul Merton’s Impro Chums at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He currently resides in Claremont, California.