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06-27-2008 17:14

British actor Ian McShane has had a long, venerable career, though for most of it he remained unknown to American audiences despite frequent appearances on television and in movies. One of his better known roles—as the smooth-talking criminal mastermind Teddy Bass—came in 2001 in Jonathan Glazer’s stylish crime thriller, “Sexy Beast.”

Ian McShane -- Voice of Tai Lung

 While most of the accolades went to fellow Englishman Ben Kingsley for his scathing performance as the barking-mad bank robber Don Logan, McShane received his share of good notices for his portrayal of the sinister financier of a bank heist that eventually goes bad. But his most recognized and rewarded role came in 2004—forty-two years after his first onscreen performance.

 Playing the beguiling Al Swearengen, the cruel, calculating owner of the Gem Saloon on HBO’s popular western revival, “Deadwood” (2004- ), McShane got the chance to play what the actor has called the best role of he’s ever had.