Albert Paul Shenar, a talented character actor, was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later attended the University of Wisconsin. After graduating, he moved to New York City, where he quickly landed roles on stage, eventually making his Broadway debut in 'Tiny Alice' as 'Brother Julian'.
Shenar's early years on and off Broadway were followed by a relocation to Philadelphia, where he co-founded the American Conservatory Theater with fellow actors Rene Auberjonois and Bill Ball. He was not only a regular performer at the theater but also a teacher and advisor.
Shenar's television and film career began to take off, with notable roles including Orson Welles in 'The Night That Panicked America' (1975),Florenz Ziegfeld in 'Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women' (1978),and Alejandro Sosa, a diabolical Bolivian drug lord, in Brian De Palma's 'Scarface' (1983).
He also provided the voice of Jenner, an evil conspiring rat, in Don Bluth's 'The Secret of NIMH' (1982). Other notable roles include Dr. Lawrence in Luc Besson's 'The Big Blue' (1988),Joshua Adams in 'Deadly Force' (1983),Paulo Rocca in the action-packed 'Raw Deal' (1986),and Ben Gardner, the father of a troubled Kristy McNichol, in Alan J. Pakula's 'Dream Lover' (1986).
Throughout his career, Shenar's candor, energy, and aesthetic performances have left a lasting impression, making him a memorable character actor whose work continues to be appreciated to this day.
