Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen
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Name:
Ian McKellen
Real name:
Sir Ian Murray McKellen
Who is:
Birth date:
(86 y.o.)
Place of birth:
Burnley, Lancashire, England
Height:
6'1 ft ()
Weight:
198 lb (90 kg)
Namesakes:
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:
Links:

Photos: Ian McKellen

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Ian McKellen's biography

Ian McKellen's extraordinary career has secured his place among Britain's greatest performers. His iconic portrayals of Nicholas II, King Richard, Magneto, and Gandalf the wizard have established him as one of cinema's most celebrated actors. Net worth: $60 million.
In the photo: Ian McKellen
In the photo: Ian McKellen

Early years

Ian Murray McKellen hails from Lancashire county. Born on May 25, 1939, to a civil engineer who followed his father and grandfather as a lay preacher.

Ian's early childhood was spent during wartime in Wigan, where the family moved to escape German air raids. Even in Wigan, the sounds of exploding bombs echoed through the town, and McKellen has said he didn't truly understand silence until the war ended.
Ian McKellen in his youth
Ian McKellen in his youth
When Ian was 12 and his sister Jane was 14, their mother died of tuberculosis, and their father remarried soon after. His stepmother Gladys became a close companion to Ian, who struggled to make friends at school—his academic excellence and natural shyness were often mistaken for arrogance by classmates.

Theater. McKellen's Golden Era

After graduating with distinction in 1956, Ian earned a scholarship for university studies. He enrolled in English literature at St. Catherine's, one of Cambridge's oldest colleges, where he joined the student theater troupe of the Marlowe Society, already renowned throughout Britain. His passion for theater ultimately trumped academics, and he lost his scholarship before graduation.
The love of the stage won the thirst for knowledge
The love of the stage won the thirst for knowledge
He graduated having played numerous roles with the Marlowe Society, and in 1961 landed a position at Belgrade Theater in Coventry earning just £9 a week. A year later came Ipswich Theatre, then Nottingham the following year, and three years after that McKellen was invited to the West End—London's answer to Broadway.

McKellen's London debut came in James Saunders' A Scent of Flowers, a performance that went down in theater history as absolutely triumphant. The audience called the young actor for an encore 15 times!
McKellen's London debut took place in the production by James Saunders called A Scent of Flowers
McKellen's London debut took place in the production by James Saunders called A Scent of Flowers
In 1962, McKellen landed a leading role in Zeffirelli's Much Ado About Nothing. "It's simple, dear—you step on stage and make the audience fall in love with you," Zeffirelli told Ian just before the premiere. McKellen's Claudio cemented his reputation as one of the most gifted actors in English theater history.

Over the next decade, the promising young actor evolved into a truly distinctive artist. McKellen's profound dramatic gifts and his interpretations of classic characters consistently sparked passionate responses and rave reviews in The Sunday Times and The Guardian.
A young and talented actor grew into an independent and unique artist
A young and talented actor grew into an independent and unique artist
In 1978, McKellen was named Best Theater Actor of the Year, and in 1979, on his birthday, he received a gift from Elizabeth II—the Commander of the Order of the British Empire medal.
In 1979, the actor has presented the Commander medal
In 1979, the actor has presented the Commander medal
The years 1965 to 1990 became known as the Golden Era of modern English theater, with McKellen dazzling audiences in Romeo and Juliet, The Winter's Tale, The Cherry Orchard, Macbeth, and Othello.
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen
In 1989, the Queen knighted McKellen.

Cinema. First roles

In the '60s, Ian started taking film roles to boost his finances. His theater salary from provincial productions barely covered rent.

His first major screen roles included David Copperfield in the 1966 TV series, George opposite Sandy Dennis in the 1969 drama A Touch of Love, and poet John Keats in the 1970 biographical film Solo.
Ian McKellen in the television series about David Copperfield
Ian McKellen in the television series about David Copperfield
As an established theater star, McKellen reluctantly took film roles. Back then, only the stage truly captivated him, though his perspective would eventually shift. Between 1983 and 1995, Sir Ian gradually warmed to filmmaking, drawn into what he'd later describe as the magical atmosphere of movie sets.

In the 1982 adventure series set during the French Revolution, McKellen played the head of secret police, obsessed with capturing an elusive rebel portrayed by Anthony Andrews. Jane Seymour and James Willers also starred in the series The Scarlet Pimpernel.
McKellen played as the head of the secret police in the 1982 adventure television series
McKellen played as the head of the secret police in the 1982 adventure television series
In the 1989 historical drama Scandal, McKellen played Profumo, the Secretary of State for War whose career was destroyed by an affair with a call girl. The call girl was played by the stunning Joanne Whalley, known for her role as Scarlett in the TV series of the same name. The film also starred John Hurt and Bridget Fonda.

In The Ballad of Little Jo and Six Degrees of Separation, Ian shared the screen with Heather Graham, Stockard Channing, and Donald Sutherland. The melodramatic comedy Cold Comfort Farm, released in 1994, was the forerunner of McKellen's future triumph. In this film, he played with Kate Beckinsale, Rufus Sewell, and Stephen Fry.

Lead roles

In 1995, Sir Ian wrote the screenplay based on Shakespeare's Richard III, transferring the action to 1930s Britain. In the film, McKellen played King Richard, marking his first major film role. Maggie Smith and Jim Broadbent also starred in the film.
Shot from the film Richard III
Shot from the film Richard III
In the 1996 historical drama Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny, the actor played the last Russian monarch Nicholas II and received the Golden Globe. Alan Rickman played Rasputin.
Ian McKellen in the film Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny
Ian McKellen in the film Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny
In the harrowing drama Bent, which explores humanity's need for love in the most tragic circumstances and how it helps people survive even in the hell of a fascist concentration camp, McKellen made a brilliant ensemble with Clive Owen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lothaire Bluteau, and Paul Bettany.

McKellen's lead role in the 1998 thriller Apt Pupil, directed by Bryan Singer and based on Stephen King's novel, earned him the Saturn Award.
Shot from the film Apt Pupil
Shot from the film Apt Pupil
The 2000s brought the world the X-Men franchise, which became one of the most profitable and beloved of all time. Throughout the films exploring the clash between ordinary humans and mutants, McKellen played Eric Lehnsherr, who discovered his telekinetic abilities. Becoming an adult, Magneto tries to seize power in the human world. Sir Ian's co-stars, who captivated audiences with their magnetic presence, included Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, and Halle Berry.
X-Men: Trailer
The role of Magneto's antagonist was performed by an old friend of McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart. Their dynamic duo is widely considered the driving force behind the franchise's unprecedented success. Remarkably, these two British knights, both in their seventies, achieved a level of fame that Hollywood's biggest action stars could only dream of.

In the famous film saga The Lord of the Rings, the first part of which was released in 2001, McKellen played the wizard Gandalf. Peter Jackson initially considered Sean Connery and Sir Patrick Stewart, but both actors ultimately passed on the role.
Ian McKellen in the film The Lord of the Rings
Ian McKellen in the film The Lord of the Rings
In bringing this character to life, McKellen used all his theatrical prowess to make the Forest Wizard not just a memorable figure in the saga, but the most beloved and genuinely magical. Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee and others also took part in the legendary saga. However, only Sir Ian was nominated for an Academy Award.
Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom
Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom
While continuing his work in Hollywood's longest-running and most successful franchises, McKellen still found time for theater and other film projects. In 2006, McKellen joined The Da Vinci Code's star-studded cast. In the picture, which became the highest-grossing film of the year, McKellen played Leigh Teabing, a character obsessed with finding the Holy Grail. On the set his partners were Tom Hanks, Alfred Molina, Paul Bettany, and French stars like Jean Reno and Audrey Tautou.
Shot from the film The Da Vinci Code
Shot from the film The Da Vinci Code
A major European hit was the cheeky 2013 series Vicious, both seasons of which told about the relationship between a gay couple who finally decide to marry after fifty years together.
Ian McKellen in the series Vicious
Ian McKellen in the series Vicious
The series proved to be subtle, touching, and hilarious, and the participation of such British film stars as Sir Derek Jacobi, who played the role of Iain's lover, as well as Francis De La Tour and Judi Dench, made it a perfect example of British comedy.

In 2015, the criminal drama Mr. Holmes was released, in which the legendary detective appears as an aging, melancholy gentleman grappling with early signs of dementia while attempting to solve one final case. The film also starred Laura Linney.
Mr. Holmes ‒ Trailer
Later that year, the drama The Dresser was released, in which Emily Watson and Sir Anthony Hopkins joined Sir Ian.

In 2017, the family musical romantic drama Beauty and the Beast was released, in which the actor played in company with Ewan McGregor and Luke Evans, as well as Emma Watson.
Beauty and the Beast(2017) ‒ Trailer

Ian McKellen's personal life

One of Britain's most influential actors came to terms with his homosexuality early in life. His first lover was history teacher Brian Taylor. Their relationship began in 1965 and lasted until 1973.
McKellen's first lover was a history teacher
McKellen's first lover was a history teacher
After a long break, McKellen's next relationship was with young actor Sean Mathias, whom McKellen met on the set of the series Scarlet Pimpernel in 1982. Sean played a bit part in the series and studied to be a film director.
Sean Mathias and Ian McKellen
Sean Mathias and Ian McKellen
In 1988, in an interview with the BBC, the actor admitted that he was gay. This fact did not prevent him from receiving a knighthood a year later.

In 1997, Sean Mathias directed his acclaimed film Bent. McKellen performed one of the leading roles in the drama, but by that time the relationship between him and Mathias had already ended.

Since 2016, McKellen has frequently been seen with fellow British knight and longtime friend Patrick Stewart. In 2013, Ian was a witness at his wedding with the American singer Sunny Ozell. Sir Patrick is open about his bisexuality, and both theatrical legends enjoy playfully teasing overly curious fans.
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart
Leaving a restaurant in fall 2017, they embraced and playfully hinted at a romantic relationship to a reporter who happened to spot them.
Too many people are busy with hanging the labels gay, bisexual, heterosexual, lover instead of remembering that there is attachment, respect, and friendship in the world.
In 2012, McKellen received a devastating prostate cancer diagnosis, but remarkably made a full recovery. Since then he has not been bothered by health problems. After recovery, Sir Ian became a vegetarian but did not quit smoking.
After having health problems, Ian still continues to smoke
After having health problems, Ian still continues to smoke
The actor remains an outspoken activist, known for his fierce criticism of anti-LGBT policies.

Ian McKellen now

In 2019, the movie "The Good Liar" was premiered, starring McKellen as Roy Courtney. The plot of the picture is based on Nicholas Searle's work. McKellen played an elderly con man who poses as a businessman online to target a wealthy widow, performed by Helen Mirren. Planning the biggest con of his career, Roy falls for the woman who's also hiding her true identity.
Cats: Trailer
In the same year, the actor took part in the Anglo-American musical "Cats", playing the role of Gus. The musical was savaged by critics and audiences alike, earning the "Worst Film" title at the 2020 Golden Raspberry Awards. In total, the film received six "Raspberries".

Ian McKellen: latest news and articles

  • I can say that I really like the movie «Richard III» with McKellen. It`s just great
    2021-05-05 12:45:00
  • Oh, this is my favorite actor from a bygone era! So inspiring his work and dedication on the set!
    2021-03-31 23:46:29
  • Honestly, I don`t know Ian, well, it`s only because I don`t watch movies much and I`m not following news about celebrities.
    2021-03-26 13:59:22
  • I think Ian McKellen is a great actor. He is so good in roles of Nicholas II and King Richard! And there are many, many more characters.
    2021-03-13 08:09:09
  • Well this is Gandalf! God, it was a masterpiece, geaniline, the most talented! Many McKellen will remember exactly in this role.
    2021-02-21 21:53:29
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