Trivia

Shaw is patron of the Hillside Animal Sanctuary at Frettenham, Norfolk, England. This was founded in 1995 to help and campaign for animals in need and to bring public awareness to the millions of animals suffering every day in the intensive factory farming industry.

The episode of The New Avengers (1976) in which he appeared was the first time he and Lewis Collins starred together. They later went on to star in the The Professionals (1977).

Has a negative opinion of the British press.

Father of Joe Shaw, Luke Shaw and Sophie Shaw.

Dislikes giving interviews or discussing his private life.

Turned down an offer to audition for the role of James Bond in the late 1970s.

Was nominated for Broadway's 1996 Tony Award as Best Actor (Play) for Oscar Wilde's "An Ideal Husband."

Turned down the lead role on the television series The Equalizer (1985). The part was ultimately played by Edward Woodward.

Blocked repeats of The Professionals (1977) until the mid-1990s.

Lived in the Erdington district of Birmingham.

Moved to London when 18.

Girlfriend: Karen De Silva, nicknamed Kaz.

On the Professionals he was taught stunt driving by Peter Braham, a stunt expert so that he could do the majority of driving himself.

Considered for Col. Colin Caine and Roger Derebridge in Lifeforce (1985).

Early on, he worked in a Birmingham chemical factory.

In 1974, Shaw starred in a three-minute advertisement for the Mk II Ford Capri and in 1987, a TV advert for the Vauxhall Cavalier.

At age eighteen, Shaw moved to London to study acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). He served his apprenticeship in repertory as an assistant stage manager at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch and at the Bristol Old Vic.

Attended Great Barr School, where he excelled in English literature and drama lessons. At sixteen, he was offered a scholarship to a Birmingham drama school but declined.

He is an activist for animal rights and animal welfare, a patron of the Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Frettenham in Norfolk, a charity organisation which provides a safe home for neglected and abused animals.

He has a prominent scar on his right cheek, the result of a physical attack during a mugging, after which he became a teetotaller.

In 1971, Shaw became a follower of Charan Singh, of the contemporary Sant Mat religion.

He joined his school's drama club and was later offered a place at a drama school when 16 but his parents thought he was too young.

His 3rd wife is television presenter Vicki Kimm.