ACTOR · BORN 1939
Ian McKellen
- Born
- 25 May 1939, Burnley, Lancashire, England, UK
- Known for
- X-Men (2000), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Mr. Holmes (2015)
284 archived facts 8 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Ian McKellen (born 25 May 1939) is an actor best known for X-Men, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
284 Interesting Facts About Ian McKellen
Interesting Facts (65)
- #001
- #002
- #003
He has two roles in common with Michael Fassbender: (1) McKellen played Macbeth in Macbeth (1979) while Fassbender played him in Macbeth (2015), and (2) McKellen played Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto in X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), The Wolverine (2013) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) while Fassbender played him in X-Men: First Class (2011), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), The Gifted (2017) and X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019). They also each share the role of Macbeth with their respective Professor X's, James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart.
- #004
- #005
When he appeared on "Desert Island Discs" (the long-running BBC radio program that asks prominent people what eight pieces of music they would take to a deserted island), the pieces he chose were: 1. "Stars and Stripes Forever" (John Philip Sousa) performed by Vladimir Horowitz; 2. Part of "Adagio for Strings" (Samuel Barber) performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Geoffrey Simon; 3. Part of the 2nd movement of Late Quartet No.13 in B flat Opus 130 (Ludwig van Beethoven) performed by the Lindsay String Quartet; 4. "Rose's Turn" (Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim) performed by Ethel Merman; 5. "Stormy Weather" (Koehler/Arlen) performed by Lena Horne; 6. "Mississippi Goddam" (Nina Simone) performed by Simone; 7. "Harrison's Clocks" (Birtwhistle) performed by Joanna McGregor; 8. "Dancing Queen" (B. Andersson/S. Andersson/Ulvaeus) performed by ABBA. His one allowed book was "A Dictionary of Flora and Fauna", and his luxury was a grand piano.
- #006
- #007
While a guest on Jay Leno (December 26, 2003), he said that he had not seen X2: X-Men United (2003) when it opened in theaters; he only saw it when the DVD hit the stores. He then called up Bryan Singer and asked, "Is there going to be X-Men 3?" Singer replied, "Yes." In his excitement, he got Singer six theater tickets to go see The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). As it turned out, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) would not be directed by Singer.
- #008
- #009
Dame Maggie Smith played his mother in Richard III (1995), and he later played her on an episode of "Saturday Night Live". In the BBC Radio production of "Goldfinger", he worked with her real son, Toby Stephens. Smith's former husband, Sir Robert Stephens, also played Aragorn in the BBC Radio version of "The Lord of the Rings".
- #010
- #011
- #012
- #013
- #014
While being a guest on Jay Leno (December 26, 2003), he said that he had not seen X2: X-Men United (2003) when it opened in theaters, he only saw it when the DVD hit the stores. He then called up Bryan Singer and asked "Is there going to be X-Men 3?" Singer replied "Yes". In his excitement, he got Singer six theater tickets to go see The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). As it turned out, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) would not be directed by Singer.
- #015
- #016
When he appeared on "Desert Island Discs" (the long-running BBC radio program that asks prominent people what eight pieces of music they would take to a deserted island), the pieces he chose were: 1. "Stars and Stripes Forever" (John Philip Sousa) performed by Vladimir Horowitz; 2. Part of "Adagio for Strings" (Samuel Barber) performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Geoffrey Simon; 3. Part of 2nd movement of Late Quartet No.13 in B flat Opus 130 (Ludwig van Beethoven) performed by the Lindsay String Quartet; 4. "Rose's Turn" (Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim) performed by Ethel Merman; 5. "Stormy Weather" (Koehler/Arlen) performed by Lena Horne; 6. "Mississippi Goddam" (Nina Simone) performed by Simone; 7. "Harrison's Clocks (Birtwhistle) performed by Joanna McGregor; 8. "Dancing Queen" (B. Andersson/S.Andersson/Ulvaeus) performed by ABBA. His one allowed book was "A Dictionary of Flora and Fauna", and his luxury was a grand piano.
- #017
- #018
- #019
- #020
- #021
- #022
- #023
- #024
- #025
He has two roles in common with Michael Fassbender: (1) McKellen played Macbeth in Macbeth (1979) while Fassbender played him in Macbeth (2015) and (2) McKellen played Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto in X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), The Wolverine (2013) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) while Fassbender played him in X-Men: First Class (2011), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), The Gifted (2017), and X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019). They also each share the role of Macbeth with their respective Professor X's, James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart.
- #026
- #027
- #028
- #029
- #030
He played the British Conservative MP John Profumo in Scandal (1989) and the British film director James Whale in Gods and Monsters (1998). Both of these men had connections to Valerie Hobson: Profumo was married to Hobson from December 31, 1954 until her death on November 13, 1998 while Whale directed her in Bride of Frankenstein (1935).
- #031
He has three Shakespearean roles in common with Laurence Olivier in filmed performances: (1) Olivier played Hamlet in Hamlet (1948) while McKellen played him in Hamlet (1970), (2) Olivier played King Richard III in Richard III (1955) while McKellen played him in Richard III (1995) and (3) Olivier played King Lear in King Lear (1983) while McKellen played him in King Lear (2008). The two great actors also played the role of Creakle in TV adaptations of Charles Dickens's "David Copperfield" (Laurence Olivier in David Copperfield (1970) and Ian McKellen in David Copperfield (1999)).
- #032
Played in two films directed by Bill Condon with two actresses he had previously co-starred in different stage productions of August Strindberg's "Dance of Death", both of them directed by Sean Mathias: Mr. Holmes (2015) with Frances de la Tour and The Good Liar (2019) with Dame Helen Mirren.
- #033
- #034
McKellen said that the main reason the X-Men films appealed to him was the theme of mutants being ostracized. Noting that as an openly gay man he had experienced exclusion throughout his life, the actor therefore formed a strong connection with the mutants' story. This connection was also the source of the depth he brought to the character of Magneto.
- #035
- #036
Sean Parker offered Ian McKellen 1.5 million dollars to officiate his Tolkien-themed wedding in 2013 in a Gandalf costume. McKellen declined the offer, saying, "Gandalf does not do weddings." This event remained as an entertaining anecdote showing McKellen's respect for his character and his stance against financial offers.
- #037
- #038
- #039
Appearing on Jay Leno's show on 26 December 2003, Ian McKellen admitted that he had not seen X2: X-Men United (2003) in cinemas but only when it came out on DVD. He then called Bryan Singer to ask, "Will there be an X-Men 3?", and when he received a positive answer he excitedly gave Singer six cinema tickets for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). Singer did not direct X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), however; Brett Ratner took on that job.
- #040
Ian McKellen played a vampire in the music video for "Heart" by the synthpop duo Pet Shop Boys. The video was released in 1988 and was a rare contribution by McKellen to the music world. The performance showed that he could appear not only in theatre and film but in other art forms as well.
- #041
Ian McKellen had not read Philip Pullman's "Northern Lights" (The Golden Compass) or J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books before taking roles in their film adaptations. This allowed him to bring his own interpretation to the characters. While playing Gandalf, McKellen built the character by listening to Tolkien's recording, and in this way he both stayed faithful to the book and added his own unique interpretation.
- #042
- #043
When Ian McKellen appeared on the BBC radio programme "Desert Island Discs", he shared the eight pieces he had chosen to take to a desert island. Among his selections were "Stars and Stripes Forever" in Vladimir Horowitz's interpretation, "Adagio for Strings" performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra under Geoffrey Simon, and the second movement of Beethoven's Late Quartet No. 13 in B-flat major, Opus 130.
- #044
- #045
There is an interesting parallel between The Lord of the Rings books and the X-Men comics: both contain a character named Sauron and a book titled "The Return of the King". The X-Men graphic novel "The Return of the King" fittingly deals with the return of Magneto. Ian McKellen's playing both Gandalf and Magneto makes the connection between these two universes all the more meaningful.
- #046
One of Ian McKellen's most unusual career memories is meeting eager fans who told him they had watched all the Harry Potter films and loved them. This stems from some fans confusing him with Dumbledore, despite McKellen being identified with the role of Gandalf. McKellen usually responds to the confusion with humour.
- #047
Ian McKellen began working on his autobiography but abandoned the project after realising that researching his life was too painful for him. He returned the one-million-dollar advance he had received from his publisher. McKellen explained that the experience was emotionally difficult for him and that this was why he gave up writing his memoirs.
- #048
Ian McKellen appeared in six films with Hugh Jackman: X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Flushed Away (2006), The Wolverine (2013) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014). This long-running collaboration allowed the pair to build a strong friendship both on and off screen. McKellen and Jackman brought the X-Men series' most iconic characters to life.
- #049
Ian McKellen played Magneto in three consecutive films. As of 2008, the other actors who had played a comic-book villain in three films were James Franco (Harry Osborn), Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor) and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique). McKellen's achievement shows his lasting impact on comic-book adaptations.
- #050
Ian McKellen worked with two different actors who played Faramir. Before appearing alongside David Wenham in The Lord of the Rings films, he appeared with Andrew Seear in the film Plenty (1985). Seear had played Faramir opposite Sir Ian Holm in the BBC radio adaptation. This coincidence makes McKellen's connection to the Middle-earth universe all the more interesting.
- #051
Ian McKellen is one of only two actors, along with Cate Blanchett, to appear in all six of Peter Jackson's Middle-earth films: The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) and The Hobbit trilogy (2012-2014). McKellen's portrayal of Gandalf in both his younger and older forms cemented his identification with this universe.
- #052
Ian McKellen owns "The Grapes," a 16th-century pub in London's Limehouse district, in a renovated former dock area overlooking the Thames. The pub reflects McKellen's connection to the city and his interest in historic places. By preserving the venue, McKellen contributes to London's cultural heritage.
- #053
- #054
Ian McKellen appeared with Bruce Davison in four different films: Six Degrees of Separation (1993), Apt Pupil (1998), X-Men (2000) and X2: X-Men United (2003). The first of these is the only one not directed by Bryan Singer. McKellen and Davison's long-running collaboration is a sign of how well the two work together.
- #055
Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender have shared two major roles: Macbeth and Magneto. McKellen played Macbeth in the film Macbeth (1979), while Fassbender brought the role to life in Macbeth (2015). As for Magneto, McKellen appeared in the first films of the X-Men series (2000-2014), while Fassbender played the young Magneto in X-Men: First Class (2011) and the films that followed. These two master actors bringing the same characters to life in different eras creates an interesting parallel in cinema history.
- #056
Ian McKellen appeared alongside young Johnny Neal in Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" at the National Theatre in London. Johnathon (Johnny Neal) also appeared with McKellen's close friend Patrick Stewart in the film A Christmas Carol (1999). These connections show the wide network McKellen has in the worlds of theatre and cinema.
- #057
In the Lord of the Rings and X-Men films McKellen appeared in, the lead characters were recast shortly after filming began. In Lord of the Rings, Viggo Mortensen replaced Stuart Townsend, while in X-Men (2000), Hugh Jackman was brought in to replace Dougray Scott. McKellen has stated that these changes contributed to the success of both films.
- #058
- #059
In 2008, The Telegraph newspaper placed Ian McKellen 45th on its list of the "100 most powerful people in British culture." The ranking is a sign of his cultural influence and standing in the art world. McKellen earned his place on the list through his contributions to theatre and cinema.
- #060
- #061
- #062
Ian McKellen played British Conservative MP John Profumo in Scandal (1989) and British film director James Whale in Gods and Monsters (1998). Both historical figures had connections to Valerie Hobson: Profumo was married to Hobson from 1954 until her death in 1998, while Whale had directed her in Bride of Frankenstein (1935). McKellen's choice of these roles shows his interest in history and his care in selecting characters.
- #063
Ian McKellen and Laurence Olivier shared three Shakespeare roles in film performances: Hamlet, Richard III and King Lear. Olivier played these roles in Hamlet (1948), Richard III (1955) and King Lear (1983), while McKellen brought the same characters to life in Hamlet (1970), Richard III (1995) and King Lear (2008). The two master actors also both played Creakle in adaptations of Charles Dickens's "David Copperfield." This parallel shows that McKellen inherited Olivier's legacy.
- #064
Ian McKellen worked in two films directed by Bill Condon with two women with whom he had previously appeared in different stage productions of August Strindberg's "The Dance of Death": Frances de la Tour in Mr. Holmes (2015) and Dame Helen Mirren in The Good Liar (2019). Both plays had been directed by Sean Mathias. These connections show McKellen's continuity and collaborations in the worlds of theatre and cinema.
- #065
Ian McKellen was born on 25 May 1939 at 21:30 (GMT). This detail is a precise record of his moment of birth and is interesting information for astrology enthusiasts or biography researchers. McKellen's time of birth is part of his personal history in the archives. Such specific information offers a deeper look into the life of a famous actor and allows his fans to learn more about him.
Production Story (11)
- #066
The Bells of Hell Go Ting-a-ling-a-ling (1966), with Gregory Peck, would have been his feature film debut, but the hostile snowy weather at the Swiss location prevented it. The production, a World War I film with a screenplay by Roald Dahl to be directed by David Miller, was abandoned after five weeks of filming.
- #067
- #068
- #069
- #070
- #071
- #072
- #073
- #074
- #075
- #076
Behind the Scenes (77)
- #077
- #078
- #079
- #080
- #081
- #082
Behind Ian McKellen's turn to acting lie the deep grief he experienced after his mother's death and the constant bullying he endured from his peers at school. During this difficult period, the theatre stage became both an escape and a space where he could express his feelings. In later years, McKellen often spoke of how these experiences pushed him toward acting and how he found himself on stage.
- #083
Ian McKellen went down in history as the oldest actor to bring the role of Sherlock Holmes to life, at the age of 74. This record is an indication of how wide a range his long and deep-rooted career spans. McKellen's portrayal of this iconic detective gave the character a different depth through both his age and his experience.
- #084
In December 2012, Ian McKellen publicly shared that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This announcement showed how open and brave he was in his struggle with health problems. McKellen continued to work throughout his illness and became a source of inspiration for many of his fans.
- #085
McKellen said that the main reason the X-Men films appealed to him was the theme of mutants being excluded. Stating that as an openly gay man he had experienced exclusion throughout his life, the actor therefore formed a strong bond with the mutants' story. This bond was also the source of the depth he brought to the character of Magneto.
- #086
For The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), McKellen got an Elvish character tattoo representing the number nine. The actor, who got this tattoo together with the other seven members of the Fellowship of the Ring, thus immortalized the bond among the film's team. This gesture became a symbol of the strong friendship that formed during the film's shooting.
- #087
- #088
- #089
McKellen turned down the role of Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). Explaining this decision, he referred to his role as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, saying, "I had enough trouble catching up with one legend. Two would have been too much hope." McKellen thus chose to protect his own limits and career by avoiding bringing an iconic character to life in two major fantasy series at once.
- #090
Ian McKellen said the same line in the trailers of two completely independent major box-office films, X2: X-Men United (2003) and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002): "War has begun." This coincidence is an interesting reflection of his portraying characters on the brink of war in two different universes. McKellen's being a figure who heralds war in both films reinforced his place in cinema history.
- #091
- #092
In 2013, Sean Parker offered Ian McKellen 1.5 million dollars to officiate his Tolkien-themed wedding in a Gandalf costume. McKellen declined the offer, saying, "Gandalf does not do weddings." This event remained as an amusing anecdote showing McKellen's respect for his character and his stance against financial offers.
- #093
Ian McKellen was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon at the same time as Sir Patrick Stewart. These two master actors, working in the same theatre company, both strengthened their friendship and went through an important period in their stage careers. McKellen and Stewart later appeared together in the X-Men films, carrying this friendship to the big screen.
- #094
McKellen, who portrayed the character Sir Leigh Teabing in The Da Vinci Code (2006), also held a knighthood in real life. For this reason, before he was cast for the role, he noticed two errors in the book's depiction of knighthood: knights neither carry identity badges nor have special privileges as Teabing claimed. McKellen's command of these details shows his confidence in both his acting and his knowledge of history.
- #095
- #096
Ian McKellen was the first actor to play the role of Antonio Salieri in the Broadway production of "Amadeus." For this performance, he was honored with the 1981 Tony Award for Best Actor (Play). McKellen's interpretation of Salieri both earned unanimous praise from critics and became one of the most important turning points in his theater career.
- #097
Ian McKellen used the phrase "old friend" in both the X-Men film series and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In both cases, the line is delivered with a mocking tone to a comrade who has turned into an enemy: to Saruman (Sir Christopher Lee) in The Lord of the Rings and to Xavier (Sir Patrick Stewart) in X-Men.
- #098
Ian McKellen's mother, Margery, died when he was only twelve years old. His father, Denis, passed away when McKellen was twenty-four. These early losses left deep marks on McKellen's life and were among the factors that steered him toward acting. McKellen has often said that he took refuge in the stage to cope with the grief he experienced after his mother's death.
- #099
When Ian McKellen appeared on Jay Leno's show on December 26, 2003, he admitted that he had not seen X2: X-Men United (2003) in theaters but only when it came out on DVD. He then called Bryan Singer and asked, "Will there be an X-Men 3?" and, upon receiving a positive answer, excitedly gave Singer six cinema tickets for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). However, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) was not directed by Singer; Brett Ratner took on that task.
- #100
Ian McKellen played a vampire in the music video for "Heart" by the synthpop duo Pet Shop Boys. The video was released in 1988 and was a rare contribution by McKellen to the world of music. This performance showed that McKellen could appear not only in theater and cinema but also in different art forms.
- #101
Ian McKellen had not read Philip Pullman's novel "Northern Lights" (The Golden Compass) or J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books before taking part in the film adaptations of these works. This allowed him to bring his own interpretation to the characters. While portraying Gandalf, McKellen built the character by listening to Tolkien's recording, and in this way he both remained faithful to the book and added his own unique interpretation.
- #102
Ian McKellen was honored with the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1979 Queen's Birthday Honours List. He then received a Knight Bachelor in the 1991 Queen's New Year Honours List for services to drama. These honors were an official recognition of McKellen's contributions to British theater and culture.
- #103
Ian McKellen studied English at Cambridge University and graduated with a 2:2 degree. During his university years, his interest in theater grew even further, and he focused on stage work during this period. McKellen's academic career formed the foundation of his intellectual background and added depth to his acting.
- #104
Ian McKellen's first career goal was journalism. However, his passion for theater diverted him from this path and led him toward acting. In his youth, McKellen realized that his interest in the stage was stronger than his interest in journalism, and thanks to this he became one of the most important figures in the history of cinema and theater.
- #105
Ian McKellen later appeared in a sketch on Saturday Night Live with Dame Maggie Smith, who played his mother in the film Richard III (1995). In the BBC Radio production of "Goldfinger," he worked with Smith's real son, Toby Stephens. In addition, Smith's former husband, Sir Robert Stephens, had voiced Aragorn in the BBC Radio adaptation. These connections show McKellen's deep-rooted relationships in the world of British theater and cinema.
- #106
Ian McKellen was offered the role of Mission Commander Swanbeck in Mission: Impossible II (2000). However, he could not accept the role due to his theater commitments in London. The role eventually went to Sir Anthony Hopkins. Although McKellen had to turn down the offer, he once again demonstrated his commitment to theater.
- #107
- #108
When Ian McKellen appeared on the BBC radio program "Desert Island Discs," he shared the eight tracks he chose to take to a desert island. Among his selections were "Stars and Stripes Forever" in a performance by Vladimir Horowitz, "Adagio for Strings" performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of Geoffrey Simon, and the second movement of Beethoven's Late Quartet No. 13 in B-flat major, Opus 130.
- #109
- #110
There is an interesting parallel between The Lord of the Rings books and the X-Men comics: both feature a character named Sauron and a book titled "The Return of the King." The X-Men graphic novel "The Return of the King" fittingly deals with Magneto's return. The fact that Ian McKellen played both Gandalf and Magneto makes the connection between these two universes all the more meaningful.
- #111
Ian McKellen received an honorary doctorate from the University of Ulster on 3 February 2013. The honour was awarded in recognition of his contributions to art and society. As an artist who has also earned the respect of the academic world, McKellen has been honoured with numerous honorary awards and titles throughout his career.
- #112
One of Ian McKellen's most unusual career memories is meeting eager fans who told him they had watched all the Harry Potter films and loved them. This stems from some fans confusing him with Dumbledore, despite McKellen being identified with the role of Gandalf. McKellen usually responds to this confusion with humour.
- #113
Ian McKellen began working on his autobiography but abandoned the project after realising that researching his life was too painful for him. He returned the one-million-dollar advance he had received from his publisher. McKellen explained that the experience was emotionally taxing and that he therefore gave up writing his memoirs.
- #114
Ian McKellen won the 1981 Tony Award on Broadway for Best Actor (Play) for his performance as Antonio Salieri in "Amadeus." In 1984, he was nominated in the same category for "Ian McKellen Acting Shakespeare." These awards confirmed his outstanding talent in the theatre world and his mastery of Shakespearean interpretation.
- #115
Ian McKellen appeared alongside Hugh Jackman in six films: X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Flushed Away (2006), The Wolverine (2013) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014). This long-running collaboration allowed the pair to build a strong friendship both on and off screen. McKellen and Jackman brought the X-Men series' most iconic characters to life.
- #116
Ian McKellen played Magneto in three consecutive films. As of 2008, the other actors who had played a comic-book villain in three films were James Franco (Harry Osborn), Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor) and Rebecca Romijn (Mystique). McKellen's achievement demonstrates his lasting impact on comic-book adaptations.
- #117
- #118
In the episode of Saturday Night Live (1975) that he hosted, Ian McKellen played Dame Maggie Smith in a "Weekend Update" sketch. The performance showcased McKellen's comedic talent and his skill at impersonation. It was also a humorous nod to his relationship with Smith, who had played his mother in the film Richard III (1995).
- #119
Ian McKellen was honoured with the Best Actor award at the 1989 London Critics' Circle Theatre Awards for his performance in "Othello." The award once again proved his powerful presence and character depth in Shakespearean tragedies. McKellen's interpretation of Othello received full marks from theatre critics.
- #120
Ian McKellen is one of only two actors, along with Cate Blanchett, to appear in all six of Peter Jackson's Middle-earth films. These films are: The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) and The Hobbit trilogy (2012-2014). McKellen's portrayal of Gandalf in both his younger and older forms cemented his identification with this universe.
- #121
Ian McKellen owns "The Grapes," a 16th-century pub in London's Limehouse district, in a renovated former dock area overlooking the River Thames. The pub reflects McKellen's connection to the city and his interest in historic places. By preserving the establishment, McKellen contributes to London's cultural heritage.
- #122
- #123
Ian McKellen came together with Bruce Davison in four different films: Six Degrees of Separation (1993), Apt Pupil (1998), X-Men (2000) and X2: X-Men United (2003). The first of these films is the only one not directed by Bryan Singer. This long-running collaboration between McKellen and Davison is a sign of how well the two work together.
- #124
- #125
Ian McKellen's maternal great-great-great-grandfather, Robert J. Lowes, was an active member of an organisation that campaigned in the 1890s for a "half-day" holiday on Fridays for industrial workers in Manchester. The campaign succeeded and laid the foundation for the modern concept of the weekend. McKellen has said he is proud of this family legacy.
- #126
Ian McKellen won the 1985 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award (1984 season) for Best Actor in a Revival for "Wild Honey". The award recognised his ability to bring classical plays to the stage in a modern interpretation. With this performance, McKellen earned the admiration of theatre critics.
- #127
Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender have shared two major roles: Macbeth and Magneto. McKellen played Macbeth in the 1979 film Macbeth, while Fassbender brought the role to life in the 2015 film Macbeth. As for Magneto, McKellen appeared in the first films of the X-Men series (2000-2014), while Fassbender played the young Magneto in X-Men: First Class (2011) and the films that followed. The fact that these two master actors gave life to the same characters in different periods creates an interesting parallel in cinema history.
- #128
When Ian McKellen was 18, he studied at St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, alongside Sir Derek Jacobi. On Inside the Actors Studio (1994), McKellen admitted he was "desperately in love" with Jacobi. In an article in The Advocate dated 11 December 2001, he described the feeling as "an unrequited and unspoken passion". These statements shed light on McKellen's emotional experiences in his youth.
- #129
Ian McKellen appeared at the National Theatre in London alongside the young Johnny Neal in Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People". Johnathon (Johnny Neal) also appeared with McKellen's close friend Patrick Stewart in the film A Christmas Carol (1999). These connections show McKellen's wide network in the worlds of theatre and cinema.
- #130
- #131
In the Lord of the Rings and X-Men films in which Ian McKellen appeared, the lead characters were recast shortly after shooting began. In Lord of the Rings, Viggo Mortensen replaced Stuart Townsend, while in X-Men (2000), Hugh Jackman was brought in to replace Dougray Scott. McKellen has stated that these changes contributed to the success of both films.
- #132
- #133
In 2008, The Telegraph newspaper placed Ian McKellen 45th on its list of the "100 most powerful people in British culture". This ranking is an indication of his cultural influence and his standing in the art world. Through his contributions to theatre and cinema, McKellen took the place he deserved on the list.
- #134
- #135
- #136
In the 2008 Queen's New Year Honours List, Ian McKellen was awarded the CH (Companion of Honour) for services to drama and equality. This honour was a recognition not only of his contributions to art but also to the struggle for social equality. By receiving this title, McKellen reinforced his respected place in British society.
- #137
"The Bells of Hell Go Ting-a-ling-a-ling" (1966), which was planned to be Ian McKellen's first feature film, was to be shot with Gregory Peck. However, due to adverse snow conditions in Switzerland, the production was abandoned after five weeks of filming. This First World War film, whose screenplay was written by Roald Dahl and which was to be directed by David Miller, ceased to be an important turning point in McKellen's career.
- #138
- #139
- #140
Ian McKellen played the British Conservative MP John Profumo in the film Scandal (1989) and the British film director James Whale in the film Gods and Monsters (1998). These two historical figures had connections to Valerie Hobson: Profumo was married to Hobson from 1954 until her death in 1998, while Whale had directed her in Bride of Frankenstein (1935). McKellen's choice of these roles shows his interest in history and his care in selecting characters.
- #141
- #142
One of Ian McKellen's greatest film career regrets was declining the role of Kenneth Halliwell opposite Gary Oldman's Joe Orton in Stephen Frears's Prick Up Your Ears (1987). McKellen regretted turning down the role for a long time. The episode is regarded as a significant turning point in his career.
- #143
Ian McKellen and Laurence Olivier shared three Shakespeare roles in their film performances: Hamlet, Richard III and King Lear. Olivier played these roles in Hamlet (1948), Richard III (1955) and King Lear (1983), while McKellen brought the same characters to life in Hamlet (1970), Richard III (1995) and King Lear (2008). The two master actors also both played Creakle in adaptations of Charles Dickens's "David Copperfield." This parallel shows that McKellen inherited Olivier's legacy.
- #144
Ian McKellen appeared in a film selected by the Library of Congress for the National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). The film is considered one of the most important works in cinema history. McKellen's performance in the film is an indication of his contribution to cinema's heritage.
- #145
Ian McKellen won the 1991 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award (1990 season) for Best Actor for his performance in "Richard III" at the Royal National Theatre. The award once again proved his mastery at portraying Shakespeare's villains. With this performance, McKellen earned the full marks of theatre critics.
- #146
Ian McKellen worked with two women in two films directed by Bill Condon with whom he had previously appeared in different stage productions of August Strindberg's play "The Dance of Death": Frances de la Tour in Mr. Holmes (2015) and Dame Helen Mirren in The Good Liar (2019). Both plays had been directed by Sean Mathias. These connections show McKellen's continuity and collaborations across the worlds of theatre and cinema.
- #147
In 1998, he was honoured with the Back Stage Garland Award for his performance in the Royal National Theatre production of "An Enemy of the People" staged at the Ahmanson Theatre in California. The award is a prestigious one that honours acting achievement in the theatre world, and McKellen's interpretation in this production had earned full marks from critics. The play was a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic work, and the character of Dr. Stockmann, whom McKellen portrayed, took a powerful stand that challenged social norms.
- #148
Ian McKellen's middle name is Murray, and he shares this name with his predecessor in the role of Gandalf, Michael Hordern, and his successor in the role of Antonio Salieri, F. Murray Abraham. Michael Hordern had voiced Gandalf in the radio and stage adaptations that preceded the Lord of the Rings films; F. Murray Abraham, meanwhile, had won an Oscar for his Salieri performance in the film Amadeus. This coincidence is striking in that two important roles in McKellen's career are linked to actors who share the same middle name. While McKellen took his place among the legends of fantasy cinema with the role of Gandalf, Abraham became one of the unforgettable names of classical music dramas.
- #149
Ian McKellen was among the names considered to voice Judge Claude Frollo in the 1996 Disney animation The Hunchback of Notre Dame. However, the role was ultimately given to Tony Jay, and Jay successfully reflected the character's dark and authoritarian nature. McKellen's not taking on the role led him to move in a different direction in his career, as at the time he was associated with serious dramatic roles in theatre and cinema. Even so, this information shows that McKellen's voice-acting ability was noticed by Disney's producers as well.
- #150
Ian McKellen played Dame Maggie Smith's son in the 1995 film Richard III, yet in real life there is less than five years' age difference between them. This is a striking example of how actors can transform their ages on stage and screen. While McKellen played Richard, an ambitious and scheming king, in the film, Smith portrayed his mother, the Duchess of York. The pair rank among the most respected names of British theatre, and their performances in this film are regarded as one of the strongest examples of Shakespeare adaptations in modern cinema.
- #151
Ian McKellen was born on 25 May 1939 at 21:30 (GMT). This detail is a precise record of the moment of his birth and is interesting information for astrology enthusiasts or biography researchers. McKellen's time of birth is preserved in archives as part of his personal history. Such specific information offers a deeper look into the life of a famous actor and allows his fans to learn more about him.
- #152
Ian McKellen was among the names considered to voice the character William Clayton in the 1999 Disney animation Tarzan. However, the role was ultimately given to Brian Blessed, and Blessed voiced the character's arrogant and colonial attitude impressively. McKellen's absence from this project shows that at the time he was focused more on dramatic and literary works. Even so, this information reveals that McKellen's voice-acting ability was appreciated by Disney and considered for projects in different genres.
- #153
Ian McKellen was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) from 1974 to 1978. This period was a major turning point in his theatre career, as the RSC is one of the most prestigious companies for Shakespeare and classical plays. Taking roles there in masterpieces such as Macbeth, Hamlet and King Lear, McKellen proved his acting talent on an international level. His RSC experience strengthened his command of the stage and laid the foundation for the great successes he would later achieve in his film career.
Characters & Cast (24)
- #154
- #155
He played the British Conservative MP John Profumo in Scandal (1989) and the British film director James Whale in Gods and Monsters (1998). Both of these men had connections to Valerie Hobson: Profumo was married to Hobson from December 31, 1954 until her death on November 13, 1998, while Whale directed her in Bride of Frankenstein (1935).
- #156
- #157
- #158
Like his The Da Vinci Code (2006) character, Sir Leigh Teabing, he has been knighted. As such, before being cast, he spotted two errors in the book's portrayal of knighthood. Knights neither receive ID badges nor are granted any of the special privileges Teabing demands as a result of knighthood.
- #159
Played in two films directed by Bill Condon with two actresses he had previously co-starred with in different stage productions of August Strindberg's Dance of Death, both of them directed by Sean Mathias: Mr. Holmes (2015) with Frances de la Tour and The Good Liar (2019) with Dame Helen Mirren.
- #160
- #161
- #162
He has three Shakespearean roles in common with Laurence Olivier in filmed performances: (1) Olivier played Hamlet in Hamlet (1948) while McKellen played him in Hamlet (1970), (2) Olivier played King Richard III in Richard III (1955) while McKellen played him in Richard III (1995) and (3) Olivier played King Lear in King Lear (1983) while McKellen played him in King Lear (2008). The two great actors also played the role of Creakle in TV adaptations of Charles Dickens's David Copperfield (Laurence Olivier in David Copperfield (1970) and Ian McKellen in David Copperfield (1999)).
- #163
- #164
- #165
- #166
He used the phrase "old friend" in both the X-Men film series and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. In both cases (to Sir Christopher Lee as Saruman in the Lord of the Rings and Sir Patrick Stewart as Xavier in X-Men), it is said to a comrade who has become a nemesis and "old friend" is said mockingly.
- #167
- #168
- #169
While preparing for the role of Gandalf, McKellen listened to a recording of J.R.R. Tolkien reading Gandalf's lines from his novel. He shaped his character based on Tolkien's accent and intonation in that recording. In this way, McKellen created Gandalf's both majestic and wise manner by drawing inspiration from the author's own voice.
- #170
Ian McKellen said the same line in the trailers of two completely independent major box-office films, X2: X-Men United (2003) and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002): "The war has begun." This coincidence is an interesting reflection of his portraying characters on the brink of war in two different universes. McKellen's being a figure heralding war in both films reinforced his place in cinema history.
- #171
McKellen, who portrayed the character Sir Leigh Teabing in The Da Vinci Code (2006), also held a knighthood in real life. For this reason, before being cast for the role, he noticed two errors in the book's depiction of knighthood: knights carry neither an identity badge nor the special privileges that Teabing claimed. McKellen's command of these details shows his confidence in both his acting and his knowledge of history.
- #172
Ian McKellen used the phrase "old friend" in both the X-Men film series and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In both cases, the line is said with a mocking tone to a comrade who has become an enemy: to Saruman (Sir Christopher Lee) in The Lord of the Rings and to Xavier (Sir Patrick Stewart) in X-Men.
- #173
Ian McKellen was offered the role of Mission Commander Swanbeck in Mission: Impossible II (2000). He could not accept it, however, because of theatre commitments in London. The role eventually went to Sir Anthony Hopkins. Although McKellen had to turn the offer down, he once again demonstrated his commitment to the theatre.
- #174
Ian McKellen was 56 years old when he played the title character in Richard III (1995). The real King Richard III, however, was only 32 when he died on 22 August 1485. Combined with the maturity and experience McKellen brought to the character, this age difference made the historical figure all the more compelling.
- #175
- #176
Ian McKellen was among the names considered to voice Judge Claude Frollo in the 1996 Disney animation The Hunchback of Notre Dame. However, the role was ultimately given to Tony Jay, and Jay successfully reflected the character's dark and authoritarian nature. McKellen's not taking on the role led him to move in a different direction in his career, as he was being associated with serious dramatic roles in theatre and cinema at the same time. Still, this information shows that McKellen's voice-acting talent was noticed by Disney producers as well.
- #177
Ian McKellen was among the names considered to voice the character William Clayton in the 1999 Disney animation Tarzan. However, the role was ultimately given to Brian Blessed, and Blessed impressively voiced the character's arrogant and colonial attitude. McKellen's absence from this project shows that he was focusing more on dramatic and literary productions at the time. Still, this information reveals that McKellen's voice-acting talent was appreciated by Disney and considered for projects in different genres.
Easter Eggs & References (3)
- #178
- #179
- #180
He used the phrase "old friend" in both the X-Men film series and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. In both cases (to Sir Christopher Lee as Saruman in the Lord of the Rings and Sir Patrick Stewart as Xavier in X-Men), it is said to a comrade who has become a nemesis, and "old friend" is said mockingly.
Deeper Meaning (3)
- #181
- #182
- #183
For The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), McKellen got an Elvish tattoo representing the number nine. The actor, who got the tattoo together with the other seven members of the Fellowship of the Ring, thus immortalized the bond among the film's team. This gesture became a symbol of the strong friendship that formed during the film's shooting.
Career & Awards (59)
- #184
- #185
- #186
- #187
- #188
- #189
- #190
- #191
- #192
- #193
- #194
- #195
- #196
- #197
Along with Cate Blanchett, he is one of only two actors to appear in all six of Peter Jackson's Middle-earth films: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014).
- #198
- #199
- #200
- #201
- #202
- #203
- #204
- #205
- #206
- #207
- #208
- #209
- #210
- #211
- #212
- #213
- #214
- #215
- #216
"The Bells of Hell Go Ting-a-ling-a-ling" (with Gregory Peck) in 1966 would have been his feature film debut but for the hostile snowy Swiss location weather. The production, a World War I film with a screenplay by Roald Dahl to be directed by David Miller, was abandoned after five weeks filming.
- #217
- #218
- #219
- #220
- #221
Ian McKellen made history as the oldest actor to bring the role of Sherlock Holmes to life, at the age of 74. This record is an indication of how wide-ranging his long and established career has been. McKellen's portrayal of this iconic detective gave the character a different depth through both his age and his experience.
- #222
- #223
McKellen turned down the role of Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). Explaining this decision, he referred to his role as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, saying, "I had enough trouble catching up with one legend. Two would be too much to hope for." McKellen thus chose to protect his own limits and career by avoiding bringing an iconic character to life in two major fantasy series at once.
- #224
- #225
Ian McKellen was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon at the same time as Sir Patrick Stewart. Working in the same theatre company, these two master actors both strengthened their friendship and went through an important period in their stage careers. McKellen and Stewart later appeared together in the X-Men films, carrying this friendship to the big screen.
- #226
Ian McKellen was the first actor to portray the role of Antonio Salieri in the Broadway production of "Amadeus." With this performance, he was awarded the 1981 Tony Award for Best Actor (Play). McKellen's interpretation of Salieri both received full marks from critics and became one of the most important turning points in his theatre career.
- #227
Ian McKellen was appointed CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1979 Queen's Birthday Honours. He then received a Knight Bachelor in the 1991 Queen's New Year Honours for services to drama. These honours were a formal recognition of McKellen's contributions to British theatre and culture.
- #228
Ian McKellen received an honorary doctorate from the University of Ulster on 3 February 2013. The honour was given in recognition of his contributions to art and society. As an artist who also earned the respect of the academic world, McKellen was honoured with many honorary awards and titles throughout his career.
- #229
- #230
- #231
- #232
- #233
- #234
Ian McKellen was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in the 2008 Queen's New Year Honours for services to drama and equality. The honour recognised not only his contribution to the arts but also his work in the struggle for social equality. With this title, McKellen reinforced his respected place in British society.
- #235
"The Bells of Hell Go Ting-a-ling-a-ling" (1966), planned as Ian McKellen's first feature film, was to be shot with Gregory Peck. However, due to poor snow conditions in Switzerland, the production was abandoned after five weeks of filming. The First World War film, written by Roald Dahl and to be directed by David Miller, ceased to be an important turning point in McKellen's career.
- #236
Ian McKellen won the Best Actor award at the 1984 London Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his performance in "Coriolanus." The award recognized his powerful acting in Shakespeare's political tragedies. With this performance, McKellen further enhanced his reputation in the theatre world.
- #237
One of Ian McKellen's biggest film career regrets was turning down the role of Kenneth Halliwell opposite Gary Oldman's Joe Orton in Stephen Frears's Prick Up Your Ears (1987). McKellen regretted declining the role for a long time. This event is regarded as an important turning point in his career.
- #238
Ian McKellen appeared in a film selected by the Library of Congress for the National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically" significant: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). The film is regarded as one of the most important works in cinema history. McKellen's performance in the film is an indication of his contribution to cinema's legacy.
- #239
Ian McKellen won the Best Actor award at the 1991 Laurence Olivier Theatre Awards (1990 season) for his performance in "Richard III" at the Royal National Theatre. The award once again proved his mastery at portraying Shakespeare's villains. With this performance, McKellen received full marks from theatre critics.
- #240
In 1998, Ian McKellen was awarded the Back Stage Garland Award for his performance in the Royal National Theatre production of "An Enemy of the People" staged at the Ahmanson Theatre in California. The award is a prestigious one honouring acting achievement in the theatre world, and McKellen's interpretation in the production received full marks from critics. The play was a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic work, and the character Dr. Stockmann, played by McKellen, took a powerful stand defying social norms. The award is regarded as one of the important milestones in his theatre career.
- #241
Ian McKellen's middle name is Murray, and he shares it with his predecessor in the role of Gandalf, Michael Hordern, and his successor in the role of Antonio Salieri, F. Murray Abraham. Michael Hordern had voiced Gandalf in radio and stage adaptations before the Lord of the Rings films, while F. Murray Abraham had won an Oscar for his Salieri performance in the film Amadeus. This coincidence is notable in that two important roles in McKellen's career are connected to actors with the same middle name. McKellen entered the ranks of the legends of fantasy cinema with the role of Gandalf, while Abraham became one of the unforgettable names of classical music dramas.
- #242
Ian McKellen was part of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) from 1974 to 1978. This period was an important turning point in his theatre career, as the RSC is one of the most prestigious companies for Shakespeare and classical plays. Taking roles here in masterpieces such as Macbeth, Hamlet and King Lear, McKellen proved his acting talent internationally. The RSC experience strengthened his command on stage and laid the foundation for the great successes he would later achieve in his film career.
Life & Family (42)
- #243
- #244
- #245
- #246
- #247
- #248
- #249
- #250
- #251
- #252
- #253
- #254
- #255
He studied at St. Catharine's College, University of Cambridge, when he was 18, with Sir Derek Jacobi, with whom he had been "desperately in love", as he confessed on Inside the Actors Studio (1994). In an article in The Advocate dated December 11, 2001, he further explained that what he had felt for Jacobi in their youth was "a passion that was undeclared and unrequited".
- #256
- #257
- #258
- #259
- #260
- #261
- #262
- #263
- #264
- #265
- #266
Had Dame Maggie Smith play his mother in Richard III (1995), and then played her on an episode of "Saturday Night Live". In the BBC Radio production of "Goldfinger", he worked with her real son, Toby Stephens. Smith's former husband, Sir Robert Stephens, also played Aragorn in the BBC Radio version of "The Lord of the Rings".
- #267
- #268
- #269
His great-great-grandfather on his mother's side, Robert J. Lowes had been an active member of an institution, that campaigned to get "half of a day" holiday on Fridays for workers of industrial age in Manchester in the 1890s. This campaign, that had got successful and underlie weekend concept of modern times.
- #270
Studied at St. Catharine's College, University of Cambridge, when he was 18, with Sir Derek Jacobi, and with whom he had been "desperately in love", as he confessed on Inside the Actors Studio (1994). In an article in "The Advocate", issue dated December 11, 2001, he further explained that what he had felt for Jacobi in their youth was "a passion that was undeclared and unrequited".
- #271
- #272
Ian McKellen's turn to acting was rooted in the deep grief he suffered after his mother's death and the constant bullying he endured from peers at school. During this difficult period, the theatre stage became both an escape and a space where he could express his emotions. In later years, McKellen often spoke about how these experiences pushed him toward acting and how he found himself on stage.
- #273
In December 2012, Ian McKellen publicly shared that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This disclosure showed how open and brave he was in his struggle with health problems. McKellen continued to work throughout his illness and became a source of inspiration for many of his fans.
- #274
- #275
Ian McKellen's mother, Margery, died when he was only twelve years old. His father, Denis, passed away when McKellen was twenty-four. These early losses left deep marks on McKellen's life and were among the factors that led him toward acting. McKellen has often said that he took refuge in the stage to cope with the grief he felt after his mother's death.
- #276
Ian McKellen studied English at Cambridge University and graduated with a 2:2 degree. His interest in theatre grew further during his university years, and he focused on stage work during this period. McKellen's academic career formed the basis of his intellectual background and added depth to his acting.
- #277
Ian McKellen's first career goal was journalism. However, his passion for theatre diverted him from that path and steered him towards acting. In his youth McKellen realised that his interest in the stage was stronger than journalism, and this helped him become one of the most important figures in the history of film and theatre.
- #278
Ian McKellen, who played his mother in Richard III (1995), later appeared with Dame Maggie Smith in a sketch on Saturday Night Live. In the BBC Radio production of "Goldfinger" he worked with Smith's real son, Toby Stephens. Smith's former husband, Sir Robert Stephens, had also voiced Aragorn in a BBC Radio adaptation. These connections show McKellen's deep-rooted relationships in the world of British theatre and film.
- #279
- #280
Ian McKellen portrayed Dame Maggie Smith in a "Weekend Update" sketch on an episode of Saturday Night Live (1975) that he hosted. The performance showcased McKellen's comedic ability and talent for impersonation. It also served as a humorous nod to his relationship with Smith, who had played his mother in the film Richard III (1995).
- #281
Ian McKellen's maternal great-great-great-grandfather, Robert J. Lowes, was an active member of an organisation that in the 1890s campaigned for a Friday "half-day" holiday for industrial workers in Manchester. The campaign succeeded and laid the foundation for the modern weekend. McKellen has said he is proud of this family legacy.
- #282
Ian McKellen studied alongside Sir Derek Jacobi at St Catharine's College, Cambridge, when he was 18. On Inside the Actors Studio (1994), McKellen admitted he was "desperately in love" with Jacobi. In an article in The Advocate dated 11 December 2001, he described the feeling as "an unrequited and unspoken passion." These statements shed light on McKellen's emotional experiences in his youth.
- #283
Ian McKellen was raised by his father, a civil engineer in Wigan, and his stepmother Gladys, who loved the theatre very much. Gladys watched every one of McKellen's plays until she became unable to travel. His stepmother played a large part in the development of McKellen's love of the stage.
- #284
Ian McKellen played Dame Maggie Smith's son in the 1995 film Richard III, although in real life there is less than five years' age difference between them. This is a striking example of how actors can transform their ages on stage and screen. McKellen played Richard, an ambitious and scheming king, while Smith played his mother, the Duchess of York. The pair are among the most respected names in British theatre, and their performances in this film are regarded as one of the strongest examples of Shakespeare adaptations in modern cinema.
Continue through the archive
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
Information from external sources is independently selected, consolidated and edited by Arka Evren. Sources are listed for verification and further reading. Encyclopedia text is used under its licence (CC BY-SA). How we work