Wallace Shawn
Wallace Shawn is an American actor, playwright, and essayist, known for his distinctive voice and quirky characters. One of Shawn’s breakthrough roles was in the 1981 film “My Dinner with Andre,” which he co-wrote with his friend Andre Gregory. The film, which features a single conversation between two friends over dinner, is now considered a cult classic.
Over the years, Shawn has appeared in numerous films, including “The Princess Bride,” “Clueless,” “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” and “Admission,” among others. He has also made several television appearances, including guest roles on “Law and Order,” “Gossip Girl,” and “Young Sheldon.”
In addition to his work on screen, Shawn is also an accomplished playwright. Some of his notable plays include “Aunt Dan and Lemon,” “The Designated Mourner,” and “The Fever,” which he also performed as a one-man show. His plays have been staged in theaters around the world and have received critical acclaim for their innovative style and thought-provoking themes.
One milestone in Shawn’s career is his collaboration with the filmmaker and director Woody Allen. Shawn has appeared in several of Allen’s films, including “Manhattan,” “Radio Days,” and “Shadows and Fog.” The two have also worked together on the stage, with Shawn appearing in Allen’s play “The Floating Light Bulb.”
Shawn has also worked with other notable actors and directors, including Louis Malle, John Cassavetes, Rob Reiner, and Nora Ephron. He has collaborated with his close friend and fellow actor Andre Gregory on several projects, including the aforementioned “My Dinner with Andre” and the experimental theater piece “The Master Builder.”
Aside from his work in entertainment, Shawn is also an advocate for animal rights and is a supporter of several animal non-profit organizations. He has spoken out against the mistreatment of animals in various industries, including factory farming and animal testing. He has also written several essays on the subject, including “Why I Call Myself a Socialist” and “The Other Side of the Coin.”