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Paul McCrane

ACTOR · BORN 1961

Paul McCrane

Born
19 January 1961, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Known for
The Hotel New Hampshire (1984), The Blob (1988), The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

18 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026

Paul McCrane (born 19 January 1961) is an actor best known for The Hotel New Hampshire, The Blob and The Shawshank Redemption.

18 Interesting Facts About Paul McCrane

Interesting Facts (3)

  1. #001

    McCrane recorded a song titled "Miles from Here" for the film "Fame" (1980), but the track did not make it into the film's final cut. It was not entirely forgotten, however; in 2003 it was added to the film's soundtrack album as a previously unreleased track.

    INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

  2. #002

    Even after many years, McCrane has managed to keep his friendship with his "Fame" co-star Maureen Teefy alive. The two continue the bond they formed on set to this day. This long-lasting friendship stands out as a fine example of the strong solidarity and warmth among the film's cast.

    INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

  3. #003

    As an interesting coincidence, McCrane and actor William Ragsdale were born on the same day. This shared birth date becomes even more striking when considered alongside the parallels in the two actors' careers. Both appeared in significant productions in the 1980s and 1990s, leaving their mark on the world of cinema.

    INTERESTING FACTS · SOURCED

Characters & Cast (11)

  1. #004

    Paul McCrane stood out not only for his acting but also for his music as one of the leads in the 1980 cult musical film "Fame." He performed the song "Is It Okay If I Call You Mine?", which he had written for a girlfriend during his high school years, himself in the film. The performance showcased his versatile talent and left its mark on the film's music.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  2. #005

    As one of the leads in the 1980 cult musical film "Fame," Paul McCrane drew attention not only for his acting but also for his music. He himself performed the song "Is It Okay If I Call You Mine?" in the film, which he had written for a girlfriend during his high school years.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  3. #006

    McCrane recorded a song called "Miles from Here" for "Fame" (1980), but the track did not make it into the film's final cut. Even so, the song was not entirely forgotten; in 2003 it was added to the film's soundtrack album as a previously unreleased track.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  4. #007

    McCrane's personal life is just as stable and colorful as his career. His wife, Dana Kellin, is a successful jewelry designer who uses her maiden name professionally. The couple met in a yoga class in 1996 and joined their lives together. They have two children from their marriage: their son William Thomas, born in 2000, and their daughter Noa Catherine, born in 2004. Family ties have been a source of balance and happiness for McCrane amid his intense work schedule.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  5. #008

    Even after all these years, McCrane has managed to keep his friendship with his "Fame" co-star Maureen Teefy alive. The two still maintain the bond they formed on set. This long-lasting friendship stands out as a fine example of the strong solidarity and warmth among the film's cast.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  6. #009

    McCrane completed his education in 1978 by graduating from Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. This Catholic school gave him a solid academic foundation and a disciplined outlook. After graduating, McCrane focused on his acting career, and he has often said that the education he received there was an important building block in his life.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  7. #010

    McCrane's talent on the theatrical stage was recognized with a significant award nomination in 1977. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Joseph Jefferson Awards for his performance in the play "The Landscape of the Body," staged at the Academy Festival Theatre in Chicago. This nomination showed what a strong actor he was not only in film and television but also in the performing arts.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  8. #011

    McCrane's roots go back to Ireland and Poland. The combination of these two different cultures has enriched his personality and worldview. His Irish and Polish heritage has brought with it a deep emotional sensibility and a sense of diligence that is also reflected in his art.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  9. #012

    McCrane's career intersected with some of the most distinguished productions in cinema history. Two films he appeared in were selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant: "Fame" (1980) and "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994).

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  10. #013

    McCrane had the honor of appearing in a production nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994) was nominated for this prestigious award and became one of the most beloved films in cinema history. McCrane's role in the film once again proved his serious and impressive acting ability.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

  11. #014

    As an interesting coincidence, McCrane and actor William Ragsdale were born on the same day. This shared birth date becomes even more striking when considered alongside the parallels in the two actors' careers. Both appeared in important productions in the 1980s and 1990s, leaving their mark on the world of cinema.

    CHARACTERS & CAST · SOURCED

Career & Awards (3)

  1. #015

    McCrane completed his education in 1978, graduating from Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. This Catholic school gave him a solid academic foundation and a disciplined outlook. After graduating, McCrane focused on his acting career, and he has often said that the education he received there was an important building block in his life.

    CAREER & AWARDS · SOURCED

  2. #016

    McCrane's talent on the theatrical stage was confirmed in 1977 with a significant award nomination. He was nominated for the Joseph Jefferson Awards in the Supporting Actor category for his performance in the play "The Landscape of the Body," staged at the Academy Festival Theatre in Chicago. The nomination showed what a strong actor he was not only in film and television but also in the performing arts.

    CAREER & AWARDS · SOURCED

  3. #017

    McCrane's career intersected with some of the most distinguished productions in film history. Two films he appeared in were selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being culturally, historically or aesthetically significant: "Fame" (1980) and "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994).

    CAREER & AWARDS · SOURCED

Life & Family (1)

  1. #018

    McCrane's origins trace back to Ireland and Poland. The combination of these two different cultures has enriched his personality and worldview. His Irish and Polish heritage brought with it a deep emotional sensibility and a sense of diligence that is also reflected in his art.

    LIFE & FAMILY · SOURCED

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Sources & editorial notes

Reference databases

  • Wikipedia English Wikipedia article
  • IMDb IMDb name page (biography and trivia)

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