Who Is Paul Shenar? Age, Biography and Wiki
Paul Shenar was born on February 12, 1936, and sadly passed away on October 17, 1989. As of 2025, he would have been 89 years old. Known primarily for his versatile acting skills, Shenar gained immense popularity for his performances in both dramatic and comedic roles. He appeared in notable films such as The Taking of Pelham One Two Three and Mistral's Daughter, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. His work continues to inspire many budding actors and film enthusiasts alike.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 12, 1936 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 11 October, 1989 |
| Died Place | West Hollywood, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Paul Shenar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Paul Shenar stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall, with an athletic build that complemented his commanding presence on screen. His weight during his acting days was around 190 lbs (86 kg). While specific measurements are harder to document due to the era he worked in, Shenar was known for his striking features and charismatic persona that made him a favorite among moviegoers.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Paul Shenar maintained a relatively private personal life. There is little public information available about his family. He was known to be intensely private about his relationships as well. As of his passing, Shenar had no publicly recognized girlfriend or spouse, and discussions about his romantic inclinations often revolve around speculation rather than confirmed relationships.
Shenar was gay, and was romantically involved with the British actor Jeremy Brett during the 1970s; they were in a relationship that reportedly lasted from 1973 to 1978. After the couple separated, they remained close friends until Shenar's death in 1989.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, estimates placed Paul Shenar's net worth around $1 million, a considerable sum for an actor of his stature during the late 1980s. In 2025, using modern inflation rates, this figure could be significantly translated into a more substantial modern-day equivalent. His primary source of income came from his acting career, alongside any potential investments made during his lifetime.
Career, Business and Investments
Paul Shenar had a prolific career, spanning from the 1960s through the late 1980s. He appeared in various television series and films, showcasing his incredible acting abilities. Apart from acting, there’s limited information on any business ventures or investments he may have made. Nonetheless, his legacy in the entertainment industry continues to flourish, as his films and performances are frequently revisited by fans and film scholars alike.
Shenar became involved in theater at an early age, working in Milwaukee playhouse productions. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following his military career he began acting again.
Shenar gained attention playing larger-than-life entertainment legends in late 1970s television films—Orson Welles in The Night That Panicked America and Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., in Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women. He portrayed the character John Carrington in Part II of the miniseries Roots.
Social Network
In today’s digital age, Paul Shenar’s social media presence might have been significant had he been alive. While he was not active on any social networks during his lifetime, modern platforms would have undoubtedly provided a space for cinephiles to celebrate his work and connect with fellow fans. Tribute pages and fan accounts have emerged online, preserving his memory and highlighting his contributions to cinema.
Shenar continued to act during the late 1980s. He did a stage version of Macbeth in Los Angeles and appeared in films like Best Seller (1987), The Bedroom Window (1987), The Big Blue (1988), plus the TV film Rage of Angels: The Story Continues.
Education
Paul Shenar was educated at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied drama. This rigorous academic background laid the foundation for his acting career, helping him hone his craft and develop the skills that would elevate him in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
A founding member, actor, director and teacher of the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco, he played more than forty roles there, including Hamlet, Oedipus Rex and Brother Julian in Tiny Alice.
In 1982, he portrayed Jenner, the main antagonist of Don Bluth's The Secret of NIMH; his performance in the film impressed Bluth so much that he wanted Shenar to also portray Space Ace's main antagonist, Commander Borf, but was unable to do so due to budget issues and the role ultimately went to Bluth himself.
