John Shrapnel was born in Birmingham, the son of Norman and Myfanwy Shrapnel. He was brought up in Stockport and south London, attending City of London School and Cambridge University. He was an original member of the National Youth Theatre and has worked extensively in theatre, particularly the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre. He lives in Suffolk and London.
Father of writer Joe Shrapnel , actor Lex Shrapnel & director Tom Shrapnel.
Son-in-law of actress Deborah Kerr (he married her daughter, Francesca Shrapnel ) and Anthony C. Bartley.
One of his ancestors was General Henry Shrapnel (1761-1842) who invented an exploding cannonball, thus giving his name to the shards of metal produced by an exploding shell.
Nephew-in-law of Ted Trimmer.
Stepson-in-law of Peter Viertel.
