Ian McShane - Definition and Overview

Ian McShane (born 13 September 1942 in Blackburn) is a British actor.

McShane grew up in Manchester, England, his father being a professional footballer with Manchester United. In Britain his most well-known role is that of roguish but dashing antiques dealer Lovejoy in the BBC drama series of the same name. He also enjoyed fame in the United States as a bounding British cad in the soap opera Dallas.

Even before Lovejoy, McShane was a pin-up as a result of appearances in television series such as Wuthering Heights (1967, as Heathcliff), Jesus of Nazareth (1977, as Judas Iscariot), and Disraeli (1979) -- as well as films like Sky West and Crooked (1966) and Battle of Britain (1969).

His recent work includes roles in movies Sexy Beast and Agent Cody Banks, and the HBO series Deadwood.