Michael Shannon Admits He ‘Didn’t Know Much’ Before Playing President James Garfield in “Death by Lightning” (Exclusive)

Michael Shannon Opens Up About His Excitement in Portraying James Garfield

Renowned actor Michael Shannon recently shared his enthusiasm for embodying the character of former United States president James Garfield in the exclusive Netflix series “Death by Lightning.” During an interview with PEOPLE, Shannon expressed his deep admiration for Garfield, noting that the president encapsulated all the qualities he idealised in a leader.

Shannon, 51, revealed his fascination with the historical figure, highlighting Garfield’s humble beginnings and his relentless work ethic. He remarked, “He started out dirt poor and he worked so hard. He was very self-motivated. He had a lot of compassion for other people. I wish the guy was president right now.” This sentiment demonstrates Shannon’s dedication to portraying Garfield authentically on screen.

Despite his reverence for President Garfield, Shannon confessed that he had limited knowledge about him before delving into the project. Admitting that he only knew the basics about Garfield, Shannon’s portrayal was a product of thorough research and commitment to accurately representing the historical figure in the new Netflix series.

“Death by Lightning,” adapted from Candice Millard’s book “Destiny of the Republic,” chronicles Garfield’s presidency and tragic assassination. The star-studded cast includes Matthew MacFadyen, Shea Whigham, Nick Offerman, Bradley Whitford, and Betty Gilpin, each bringing their own unique talents to breathe life into this compelling historical narrative.

James Garfield, who served as the 20th President of the United States, held office for a tragically short period from March to September 1881. Despite the brevity of his term, he made significant contributions advocating for civil service reform and demonstrating unwavering dedication to his country, a legacy that resonates through the ages.

Show creator Mike Makowsky commended Shannon for his profound portrayal of Garfield, emphasising the actor’s ability to imbue the character with depth and humanity. Makowsky noted, “He brings just wells of humanity to every character he plays. With Garfield, playing this true noble good, cut down in his prime, I think people are gonna really feel for him in ways they might not necessarily expect.”

Shannon’s performance in “Death by Lightning” marks another milestone in his impressive career, following recent projects like Waco: The Aftermath and Nine Perfect Strangers. His upcoming film, “Nuremberg,” is set to hit theaters shortly after the premiere of the Netflix series, underscoring Shannon’s versatility as an actor.

“Death by Lightning” is slated to debut on Netflix on November 6th, promising audiences an immersive and poignant exploration of President Garfield’s legacy. As viewers anticipate Shannon’s portrayal of this historical icon, the series stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of past leaders and the impact of their actions on shaping the course of history.