Showstopper

Thanks for your terrific and in-depth story on Ian McShane and “Deadwood” (“Master of the Dastardly,” May 30). I’ve just been totally mesmerized by his performance week in and week out, and have really been hungering for more information on this incredible actor. He practically stole “Sexy Beast” from an Oscar-nominated Ben Kingsley. In fact, all the acting from the cast was so fabulous that his impact in such a relatively small role was incredible.

But now, talk about “owning” a show. Without this guy, “Deadwood” fails. Every once in a while an actor inhabits a character so completely that you can’t even imagine another actor in the part, and this is certainly one of those times.

Bruce Bockman

Los Angeles