Wallace Shawn

Wallace Michael Shawn (born November 12, 1943) is an American actor, playwright, essayist, and political activist born into a prominent New York family. His uncle was the noted editor William Shawn of The New Yorker. Beyond his distinctive nasal voice and cerebral persona, Shawn has crafted a unique career spanning theater, film, and television. He is perhaps best known to general audiences for his role as Inconceivable-spouting Vizzini in 'The Princess Bride' (1987), though his work in 'My Dinner with André' (1981), a philosophical film consisting largely of dinner conversation, demonstrates his intellectual depth. As a playwright, Shawn has created provocative, challenging works including 'The Designated Mourner' and 'Marie and Bruce,' earning critical acclaim in avant-garde theater. Beyond entertainment, Shawn is a committed political activist and essayist, frequently writing on foreign policy and social justice issues. His career embodies a rare combination of popular commercial success, respected artistic achievement, and serious intellectual engagement.