Actor, Playwright & Essayist; Known for "My Dinner with André," "The Princess Bride" & "Toy Story"; Obie Award Winner

New York, NY, USA
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Wallace Shawn Biography

Wallace Shawn is an American actor, playwright, essayist, and screenwriter whose career spans more than five decades across theater, film, and literature. Shawn studied history at Harvard University and later pursued philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford University. Initially considering a career in diplomacy, he discovered a passion for theater while writing a script during his time at Oxford. His first produced play, "Our Late Night," was staged at New York City's Public Theater and earned him the Obie Award for Best New Play.

Shawn made his on-screen debut in Woody Allen's "Manhattan" and gained international recognition for his role in "My Dinner with André." He appeared in several films before portraying Vizzini in "The Princess Bride," a criminal mastermind who kidnaps Princess Buttercup and engages in a battle of wits with a mysterious adversary. "The Princess Bride" received critical acclaim and developed a significant following, earning recognition from the National Film Registry. Shawn further established his presence in popular culture with roles in "Clueless" and as the voice of Rex in the "Toy Story" franchise.

Shawn's television credits include appearances in series such as "Murphy Brown," "Sex and the City," "The Good Wife," and "Young Sheldon." He held recurring roles as Grand Nagus Zek in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and Cyrus Rose in "Gossip Girl." Throughout his career, Shawn has collaborated with director André Gregory, notably co-writing the screenplay for "My Dinner with André" and starring together in "Vanya on 42nd Street."

As a playwright, Shawn has produced works known for their intellectual rigor and provocative themes. His plays include the Obie Award–winning "Aunt Dan and Lemon," "The Designated Mourner," and "Grasses of a Thousand Colors." Shawn's later plays are more overtly political, exploring the intersection of individual psychology and societal structures, and often present audiences with multiple, sometimes contradictory, perspectives. His works have been described by The Times (London) as unconventional and deeply engaged with politics, culture, and human significance.

In addition to his contributions to theater and film, Shawn is recognized as an essayist and public intellectual. His published works include "Essays," "Night Thoughts," and "Sleeping Among Sheep Under a Starry Sky." Shawn's ongoing collaboration with André Gregory is reflected in his play "What We Did Before Our Moth Days," which premiered Off-Broadway at Greenwich House Theater. Considered alongside "The Fever," this work contributes to Shawn's reputation as an anti-colonial playwright and thinker, drawing comparisons to Bertolt Brecht, Harold Pinter, Caryl Churchill, and Lorraine Hansberry. Shawn continues to challenge audiences with his performances and writing, maintaining a distinctive voice in American culture.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/30/2026.

Wallace Shawn Videos

Wallace Shawn on Essays - YouTube

Wallace Shawn on Essays - YouTube

Listen to the entire interview here. http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/episodes/2009/09/02/segments/139858 Actor and playwright Wallace Shawn...

  • How do I book Wallace Shawn to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does Wallace Shawn speak about?

    Wallace Shawn is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actor, Celebrity, Jewish Heritage, Performing Arts, Television & Film
  • Where does Wallace Shawn travel from?

    Wallace Shawn generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Wallace Shawn is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Wallace Shawn for your event is available upon request. Wallace Shawn generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tim Allen, John Ratzenberger, Joan Cusack, Matthew Broderick and Josh Gad. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Wallace Shawn for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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