James Shanklin is a renowned and accomplished actor and screenwriter, boasting an impressive array of credits in both theatre and television.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Shanklin's formative years were marked by a summer internship with the Ocean City Beach Patrol, where he honed his skills as a lifeguard on the beach. This early experience would later serve as a precursor to his professional theatre debut in David Hare's Map of the World at Center Stage in Baltimore.
Shanklin's subsequent roles at Washington, D.C.'s Folger Theatre, where he had the privilege of performing alongside the esteemed Stacy Keach in Richard III, and at Arena Stage, where he was directed by the legendary Liviu Ciulei, further solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.
As his career progressed, Shanklin went on to perform with The New York Shakespeare Festival and The Public Theatre, showcasing his range and adaptability in a variety of productions. His time at the prestigious Yale School of Drama was marked by numerous productions, including John Guare's Landscape of the Body, in which he shared the stage with the talented Laura Linney.
Upon graduating from Yale, Shanklin continued to perform in plays with the Public Theatre and the New York Shakespeare Festival, including the world premiere of Thulani Davis's Everybody's Ruby, alongside the acclaimed Viola Davis. His passion for theatre never wavered, even as his film and television work began to increase.
In 2004, Shanklin made the move to Los Angeles, where he has had the privilege of working alongside a diverse range of actors, including Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Eddie Murphy, and Alfre Woodard, as well as directors such as David Fincher, Barry Sonnenfeld, JJ Abrams, and Tyler Perry.
In 2023, Shanklin will take on the role of Steve Ballmer in the upcoming FX production of The Sterling Affairs, alongside a talented cast that includes Ed O'Neil, Jacki Weaver, and Laurence Fishburne.
Throughout his career, Shanklin has remained a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, having previously shared his life with five dogs. He is currently the proud owner of four mini dachshunds, which he shares with his partner, actress Eileen Wesson.
