Who is Wallace Shawn?

Wallace Shawn is a well known American actor, playwright and essayist, but he is mostly known in the entertainment industry for his work as a commercial actor. Born on November 12, 1943 in New York City, Shawn is the son of William Shawn, the former editor of The New Yorker, and his wife Cecille. He grew up in a privileged family but his parents were not supportive of his career choice and he had to work hard to make a name for himself in the acting world.

Shawn started his acting career in the late 1970s, appearing in a number of films and TV shows including "Manhattan," "All That Jazz," and "The Cosby Show." But it was his work as a commercial actor that made him a household name. He appeared in a series of commercials for the American Express credit card company from 1987 to 1993, where he became famous for the catchy catchphrase, "Don't leave home without it."

Shawn's distinctive voice and eyeglasses helped him stand out in the crowded field of commercial acting. His work for American Express propelled him to stardom, and led to appearances in other high-profile commercial campaigns such as for Pringles potato chips and Southwest Airlines.

Despite being known for his work as a commercial actor, Shawn is also a prolific writer and has had great success as a playwright. His most famous plays include "The Designated Mourner," "Aunt Dan and Lemon," and "The Fever." He has also written several essays, which have been published in The New Yorker and other publications.

Wallace Shawn is a true multi-talented creative, who has made a name for himself not only in the world of commercial acting but also as an accomplished playwright. He continues to captivate audiences with his unique performances and unforgettable voice, proving that he is an actor of enduring talent and appeal.

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