Ian Mcshane Quotes

Powerful Ian Mcshane for Daily Growth

About Ian Mcshane

Ian Richard McShane, born on July 29, 1942, in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, is an acclaimed British actor and author, recognized for his versatile performances in film, television, and literature. McShane's acting career spanned over six decades, beginning with roles in the Royal Shakespeare Company during the late 1960s. His breakthrough role was as Ali Karim in the British crime series "The Professionals" (1977-1983). However, it was his portrayal of vampire kingpin Mr. Wednesday in Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" (2017-present) that earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama. McShane is also an accomplished author, penning the critically acclaimed novel "Eli Stone: The Book of More" in 2009. The book served as a spin-off from his work on the television show "Eli Stone," where he played the title character's eccentric spiritual mentor. McShane's literary works often reflect his deep interest in spirituality, philosophy, and the human condition. Throughout his life, McShane has been influenced by a wide range of artists, from Shakespeare to Marlon Brando. His unique acting style and profound performances have solidified him as a respected figure in the world of entertainment. McShane's most notable works include "Deadwood" (2004-2006), where he played the iconic character Al Swearengen, and voicing Blackbeard in the video game "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag." His quotes often reflect his charismatic personality and philosophical outlook on life.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't believe in the word impossible."

The quote by Ian McShane, "I don't believe in the word impossible," signifies a mindset that refuses to concede defeat or limitations. It is an empowering affirmation that encourages perseverance and the pursuit of dreams beyond traditional boundaries. By disregarding the term 'impossible', one embraces the spirit of innovation, overcoming challenges through determination, creativity, and unyielding resolve. This mindset serves as a reminder that with resilience and dedication, seemingly impossible goals can be achieved.


"The truth is always a surprise."

This quote by Ian McShane suggests that the nature of truth is often unpredictable or unexpected, as it may not align with our preconceived notions or expectations. It implies that discovering the truth can be an enlightening experience, as we are forced to confront new realities and adapt our understanding accordingly. The quote encourages us to remain open-minded and eager to learn, as the revelation of truth can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world around us.


"Revenge is like a beautiful woman. If she's not a pain in the arse when you first meet her, there's something wrong with her."

The quote suggests that both revenge and an attractive woman have the potential to bring joy or satisfaction, but they can also be harmful or troublesome if not managed carefully. Just as a beautiful woman can initially captivate and then turn out to be problematic due to her actions, revenge can seem appealing in the beginning when one desires justice for a wrong done, but it often leads to further complications and more pain in the long run. It's a caution against letting our desire for revenge consume us or cloud our judgement.


"I'm not afraid of death. I just don't want to be there when it happens."

This quote expresses a desire for control and quality of life over fear of mortality. The speaker asserts that they are not afraid of death, but rather they wish to have lived their life fully, such that it doesn't catch them off guard or unprepared. It's about living with intention and vitality, and ensuring one's final moments are in line with the richness and purposefulness that defines a well-lived life.


"You can never really leave the past behind, 'cause it goes where you go."

The quote suggests that our personal history and experiences travel with us as we navigate through life. We cannot escape or discard the past; instead, its influence accompanies us wherever we go, shaping our thoughts, feelings, decisions, and interactions in the present. Understanding this can foster empathy and patience, as it reminds us of the complexities that shape individuals' actions and perspectives. Embracing the idea that the past influences the present allows for a richer understanding of oneself and others.


What you do is, you just do the gig, enjoy, get on with it, and treat the rest as horse doodle.

- Ian McShane

Horse, Treat, Rest, Gig

Mum and Dad were both happy for me to do what I wanted.

- Ian McShane

Wanted, Mum, Dad, Mum And Dad

You don't particularly want to stay close to your ex-wife. Or why would she be your ex-wife?

- Ian McShane

She, Particularly, Would, Ex-Wife

My second marriage was to a girl I met in Manchester, kept a long-distance relationship going for two years, then we got married... disaster.

- Ian McShane

Girl, Going, Then, Manchester

My dad was a football player - a soccer player - for Manchester United, and I loved playing football, but I also happened to be the guy in class who was pretty good at sight reading. My teacher gave me scripts, and I was very comfortable.

- Ian McShane

United, Very, Dad, Manchester

There's only two kinds of actors - good ones and bad ones... and lucky ones and unlucky ones.

- Ian McShane

Lucky, Bad, Only, Bad Ones

I had a teacher at school who said, 'We are going to do a play next year, and you're in it.' He said, 'You should try out for the Royal Academy as an actor.' I did and got in. I was 17. My mum wasn't too happy, but it worked out OK.

- Ian McShane

Play, Next, Mum, OK

I'm a child of the Sixties.

- Ian McShane

Child, Sixties

Acting is great therapy - you get to do things you'd normally get arrested for.

- Ian McShane

Therapy, Get, Arrested, Normally

If 'Deadwood' had gone on another two years, I wouldn't have got as many movies made.

- Ian McShane

Movies, Made, Another, Deadwood

What 'Deadwood' did was to talk about how capitalism started, how civilised society came in, and how that brought its own problems.

- Ian McShane

Own, About, Brought, Deadwood

When you're doing a medieval show like 'Pillars,' it starts off a bit like a school play. You're all in funny costumes; you've had your coffee, and you say, 'Good morning'. Then you go on set and, if you've got good actors and directors, it takes on a life of its own.

- Ian McShane

Play, Doing, Pillars, Costumes

I don't do social media.

- Ian McShane

Media, Social, Social Media

I never wanted a life of having a nice house, driving around, settling down.

- Ian McShane

Driving, Never, Having, Settling

I had a bit of a male menopause. It started at the age of 18 and continued until I was 45.

- Ian McShane

Started, Had, Until, Menopause

You set paths for yourself, but as you get older, things change.

- Ian McShane

Change, Get, Set, Paths

When you're in your early 20s, you go ahead and do everything. And it's very hard to judge yourself.

- Ian McShane

Ahead, Very, Early 20s, Early

'Lovejoy' has a special place in my heart because it was through my efforts that the series first came to the screen.

- Ian McShane

Heart, Through, Screen, Special Place

The bad boys get all the best lines.

- Ian McShane

Best, Bad, Get, Lines

Robert Fisk is my hero. In America, they think he's a terrorist.

- Ian McShane

Hero, Think, Robert, Terrorist

I would like to be in a really big, successful film - boffo, spectacular, $500 million!

- Ian McShane

Big, Million, Would, Spectacular

I'm from the disco era where everybody thought they were John Travolta... What song is going to get me on the dance floor? Anything from 'Saturday Night Fever,' and you're up there like a demon.

- Ian McShane

Thought, Saturday, Everybody, Floor

Do you follow American politics? They hate Obama. Hate him. He's a black man. That's what it is: it's racist. This guy is no bleeding-heart liberal. He's a centrist.

- Ian McShane

Politics, Black, Obama, Centrist

The bad boy: always more fun.

- Ian McShane

Bad, Bad Boy, Always, Fun

Every actor has to love and loathe the character he plays.

- Ian McShane

Love, Character, Actor, To Love

I don't remember my first two marriages... the details are very sketchy.

- Ian McShane

Remember, Marriages, Very, Details

I don't think that acting is as youth-obsessed as the general culture. In acting, as you get older, you get better, and the parts you get improve, too. But that's only true for a man, not a woman.

- Ian McShane

Woman, Think, Better, Parts

Theater is a dance of a different kind, a dance of rawness and characters stripped down.

- Ian McShane

Kind, Theater, Characters, Stripped

My daughter said, 'I don't think granddad really suits you.'

- Ian McShane

Think, Suits, Said, Daughter

I come from the liberal side of thinking: Better one guilty man should walk free than one innocent man found guilty.

- Ian McShane

Innocent, Come, Side, Liberal

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