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Last updated on the 13 March 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 25 May 1939, Burnley, Lancashire, England.Â
Ian McKellen was born to Denis Murray McKellen, a civil engineer and Margery Lois (née Sutcliffe). He has an older sister named Jean, who is five years his senior. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, his family moved to Wigan, where they lived through the war and his early childhood. McKellen’s early fascination with theatre was encouraged by his parents, who took him to see a production of “Peter Pan” at the Manchester Opera House when he was just three years old. This early exposure to the world of theatre sparked a lifelong passion for acting.
McKellen attended the nursery school attached to Dicconson Street Wesleyan Primary School in Wigan. He later transferred to Bolton School (Boys’ Division) when his father was appointed Borough Engineer and Surveyor of Bolton. At Bolton School, McKellen’s interest in acting continued to grow, and he participated in various school productions. His first Shakespeare performance was at the age of 13, when he played Malvolio in a scene from “Twelfth Night.” McKellen’s talent and dedication to acting were evident from a young age, and he received further encouragement from his teachers and peers.
After completing his secondary education, McKellen attended St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature. During his time at Cambridge, he was actively involved in the university’s dramatic society, the Marlowe Society, and performed in numerous productions. McKellen’s time at Cambridge was instrumental in honing his acting skills and solidifying his commitment to a career in the performing arts. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 and soon began his professional acting career.
Ian McKellen has had an illustrious career in both theatre and film. Some of his most notable film roles include:
– Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, where he brought the iconic wizard to life.
– Magneto in the X-Men series, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
– James Whale in Gods and Monsters (1998), a role that earned him critical acclaim.
– Sir Leigh Teabing in The Da Vinci Code (2006), adding to his repertoire of diverse characters.
– Sherlock Holmes in Mr. Holmes (2015), where he portrayed the famous detective in his later years.
– Cogsworth in the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast (2017), demonstrating his ability to take on whimsical roles.
McKellen’s performances have spanned genres from fantasy and science fiction to drama and mystery, solidifying his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
In his personal life, McKellen is known for being openly gay and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He came out publicly in 1988 during a BBC radio interview, and since then, he has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ social movements worldwide. McKellen is a co-founder of Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ rights lobby group in the United Kingdom, named after the Stonewall riots. He has also been involved in various charitable causes and is a patron of several organisations, including LGBT History Month, Pride London, and the LGBT Foundation.
McKellen’s personal relationships have also been a significant part of his life. He was in a long-term relationship with Brian Taylor, a history teacher, from 1964 to 1972, and later with Sean Mathias, a theatre director, from 1978 to 1988. Despite the challenges he faced as a gay man in the public eye, McKellen has remained true to himself and has used his platform to advocate for equality and acceptance. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to social justice have made him a beloved and respected figure in the world of theatre and beyond.
Suggested viewing
Richard III (1995)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3
“Richard III” is a dark and gritty retelling of Shakespeare’s classic play. Set in 1930s England, the film follows Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a cunning and manipulative nobleman who is determined to ascend to the throne. Through a series of treacherous acts, including the murder of his own brother, Richard secures the crown. However, his reign is short-lived as his paranoia and cruelty lead to his downfall in a climactic battle. Ian McKellen’s powerful performance as Richard, with his chilling delivery and menacing demeanour, is a standout feature of the film.
Top cast: Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, Robert Downey Jr., Jim Broadbent, Maggie Smith, Christopher Bowen, Edward Jewesbury, Bill Paterson, John Wood, Nigel Hawthorne, Kate Steavenson-Payne, , Jim Carter, Tim McInnerny,
Gods and Monsters (1998)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.3
In “Gods and Monsters,” aging and isolated film director James Whale forms an unlikely friendship with his young gardener, Clayton Boone. As their bond deepens, Whale reflects on his past, haunted by memories of his career, his personal struggles, and the tragic secrets that still linger within him.
Top cast: Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, Lolita Davidovich, David Dukes, Kevin J. O’Connor, Mark Kiely, Jack Plotnick.
Vicious (2013)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1
In the TV series “Vicious,” Freddie and Stuart, a long-term gay couple, navigate their eccentric and tumultuous relationship with their equally idiosyncratic friends. Through witty banter and sharp humour, they tackle love, ageing and the ups and downs of their enduring bond, all while embracing their wonderfully flawed and lovable selves.
Top cast: Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, Frances de la Tour, Iwan Rheon, Marcia Warren, Philip Voss, Paul Ritter, Steven Berkoff.
Cold Comfort Farm (1995)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2
In “Cold Comfort Farm,” a young woman named Flora Poste, orphaned and penniless, decides to live with her eccentric relatives at Cold Comfort Farm. With her wit and determination, Flora sets out to bring order and harmony to the chaotic lives of her relatives while discovering unexpected love along the way.
Top cast: Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, Eileen Atkins, Ian McKellen, Rufus Sewell, Stephen Fry, Freddie Jones, Miriam Margolyes.
Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny (1996)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.9
In the film “Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny,” the enigmatic and influential figure of Grigori Rasputin, a mystic and advisor to the Russian royal family, is explored. As he gains power and influence, his controversial presence becomes a catalyst for political turmoil and ultimately contributes to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty.
Top cast: Alan Rickman, Greta Scacchi, Ian McKellen, David Warner, John Wood, James Frain, Sheila Ruskin, Gerard Butler.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 9.0
In the epic conclusion of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Return of the King”, the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance. Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, while Aragorn rallies his allies to face the ultimate battle against the forces of darkness and reclaim the kingdom of Gondor.
Top cast: Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd.
