An Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor known for serious roles, Michael Shannon certainly has a sly sense of humor. He stars on November 6 in Netflix’s four-episode mini-series, *Death by Lightning*, which recounts the bizarre events that led to Shannon’s portrayal of James A. Garfield — a man who unexpectedly became president of the United States in 1881, only to be assassinated the same year by a former admirer, the mentally ill Charles Guiteau. The role of Guiteau is played by *Succession* Emmy winner Matthew Macfadyen.
“I couldn’t believe someone wanted me to play a president,” Shannon, 51, laughed during a press conference with Macfadyen. “I didn’t see that coming.”
When Shannon told people he was playing Garfield, their reactions were mixed. “They were like, ‘Why are you playing the cat? Haven’t they already done that?’ And I was like, ‘No, I’m not playing Garfield the cat. I’m playing Garfield the president.’ Then they were like, ‘Who?’”
Reflecting on the role, Shannon explained, “I now think President Garfield is one of my favorite people, based on all the research I did about him. The thing is, not many people know much about him.”
“But if you want to know, there are plenty of ways to learn. Amazing literature you can read. Considering how short his term was, he has quite a moving legacy that you can still see to this day.”
Macfadyen agreed enthusiastically: “You’re right! He’s like my favorite person that I didn’t know anything about. And now I’m glad I do.”
Shannon noted Garfield’s nickname: “His nickname was ‘The Greatest President America Never Had.’”
As to what audiences might take away from this political event of over 150 years ago, Shannon shared his thoughts: “I just think he was a man on a mission, in pursuit of what he believed in. He actually was just trying to improve the lives of American citizens, which is kind of the job of the president — if you are listening,” he added with a laugh.
“So, yeah, he was very focused and genuinely humble about what he was doing.”
“He realized he could fail terribly and was probably quite nervous about what he wanted to do in the grand scheme of things.”
Unlike today’s billionaire politicians, Garfield grew up in poverty and only gradually rose to prominence.
Macfadyen highlighted his background: “He held public office. A public servant for years and years. And a soldier.”
Garfield’s death was indirectly caused by Guiteau’s single bullet on July 2, 1881. Doctors at the time did not believe in germs, and an infection created by unsanitary conditions proved fatal. Garfield finally died on September 19, 1881.
Netflix will stream all four episodes of *Death by Lightning* on November 6.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/06/death-by-lightning-looks-at-greatest-president-america-never-had/