Actor. Shannon started his career in musical comedy and stock at the age of fifteen. He later joined a travelling repertory troupe and developed into a great comedy actor. He played vaudeville, tent shows and Broadway. In the 1930s he was a member of Joseph Schildkraut’s Theatre Guild, which in turn got him into the movies. Shannon will always be rememberd as ‘Citizen Kane’s’ alcoholic father. He retired in 1962.  Shannon appeared in 144 films and played in 35 televisions shows as well. (bio by: TLS)