The Breakout Actor of 2008

Just who is Michael Shannon? According to New York Magazine’s David Edelstein, he’s one of the best actors you haven't heard of. Give it time. With a role earlier this year as a jilted son in Shotgun Diaries and another as a “hyperobservant head case” in Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet drama Revolutionary Road, he’s given two blistering performances this year. The child of a broken home, Shannon found refuge from his dysfunctional family life in Chicago’s acting scene. After two years in L.A. and three Jerry Bruckheimer movies, Shannon got to New York and truly discovered his talents, best summed up by friend and fellow thespian Amy Ryan: “He’s one of those actors you swear is not an actor. You hold your breath ’cause you feel he’s a real person and you’re spying on him.”