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Ian Mckellen

Biography - Ian Mckellen

Born May 25, 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire, England, Sir Ian McKellen is best known in the U.S. for impressive film roles in the 1990s, and has been a major stage star in England since the 60s. The classically trained actor was raised in the small town of Wigan during World War II, and later moved to Bolton with his family. McKellen’s mother died when he was 12, and his father passed away when he was 24, around the time that the actor was finding early success on the London stage. He attended St. Catharine’s College at Cambridge on a scholarship, and spent much of his time studying acting. One of his classmates was the now-famous actor Derek Jacobi, and McKellen later admitted to having a massive crush on him while in school.

Major stage success came quickly for the immensely talented actor, primarily in classical productions like “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Hamlet”. He achieved fame for his powerful performance in the title role of Christopher Marlowe’s “Edward II” in 1969, which was a huge hit at the Edinburgh Theatre Festival and on the West End. In 1972 he co-founded the Actors’ Company, and became one of the most prominent faces and spokespeople for the British theatre as a whole. A string of Royal Shakespeare Company productions in the mid-70s followed, cementing his status as one of England’s greatest actors, including “Romeo & Juliet” and a famous production of “Macbeth” alongside Judi Dench. McKellen was popular stateside as well, starring on Broadway in the controversial Holocaust drama “Bent” in 1979, which chronicled the persecution of homosexuals during the Holocaust. Additionally, McKellen nabbed the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actor in 1981 for playing Salieri in “Amadeus”.

Until the late 1990s, McKellen was much better known as a stage actor, though he had found great success on screen as well, primarily in television adaptations of his theatrical performances. These included BBC productions of “Edward II”, “Hamlet”, and “Richard II” in 1970, as well as a 1966 “David Copperfield” mini-series, frequent appearances on the televised “Play of the Month” series (including “Hedda Gabler” in 1972), and much later as Iago in a 1990 television adaptation of “Othello”, among many other notable screen performances.

The heralded actor began an enormously successful Hollywood career with a bizarre turn in the Arnold Schwarzenegger flop “Last Action Hero” in 1993, and appeared later that year in the arthouse hit “Six Degrees of Separation” alongside Donald Sutherland, Will Smith, and Stockard Channing. One of his greatest performances to date came in 1995 with the title role in a film adaptation of “Richard III”, which he also co-produced and co-adapted. The role earned him Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations, honors that don’t come close to doing justice to the gleeful audacity and depth of his performance. After a terrific Oscar-nominated turn in the James Whale biopic “Gods and Monsters” in 1998, McKellen became a blockbuster regular with roles as Magneto in the “X-Men” trilogy and Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” films. The latter earned him another Oscar nod for the first installment, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. McKellen is currently dominating the summer movie season with “The Da Vinci Code” and the latest “X-Men” film, dubbed “The Last Stand”.

McKellen is one of the only openly gay actors working in mainstream cinema today, and has been outspoken about the rights of homosexuals in England, helping found the UK gay rights lobby group Stonewall in addition to his patronage of GAY-GLOS, a British Gay & Lesbian helpline. The actor was honored as a Commander of the British Empire in 1979, and was knighted in 1990 by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the modern theatre. Truly one of the greatest actors alive, McKellen cannot be commended enough for his incredible performances, nor for his work in helping destroy stigmas against homosexuals in the entertainment industry and the world at large.

Recent Ian Mckellen Photos

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guest and Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Jack Lemmon, Michael Ovitz, Sir Ian McKellen and Gilbert Cates Sir Ian McKellen
guest and Sir Ian McKellen
"Commitment To Life IV" Los Angeles AIDS Project Benefit - September 7, 1990
Los Angeles
09/07/1990
Sir Ian McKellen
46th Annual Tony Awards
New York City
05/31/1992
Jack Lemmon, Michael Ovitz, Sir Ian McKellen and Gilbert Cates
Pre-Party Reception For "Richard III"
Los Angeles
09/17/1992
Sir Ian McKellen
4th Annual GLAAD - LA Media Awards - March 20, 1993
Beverly Hills
03/20/1993
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
Beverly Hills Screening of HBO's "And The Band Played On"
Beverly Hills
08/31/1993
Sir Ian McKellen
"The Shadow" Press Conference, 1993
Universal City
09/13/1993
Sir Ian McKellen
Angel Art 1993 Benefit For Project Angel Food - December 5, 1993
Los Angeles
12/05/1993
Sir Ian McKellen
Los Angeles Premiere Of "Six Degrees Of Separation"
Los Angeles
12/08/1993
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen and guest Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
OUT Magazine Benefit for Broadway Cares - June 24, 1994
New York City
06/24/1994
Sir Ian McKellen and guest
"The American President" New York City Premiere
New York City
11/08/1995
Sir Ian McKellen
Premiere of Richard III
Beverly Hills
12/10/1995
Sir Ian McKellen
53rd Annual Golden Globe Awards
Beverly Hills
01/21/1996
Sir Ian McKellen guest and Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Ian McKellen, Lynn Redgrave, Brandon Fraizer and Lolita Davidovich
Sir Ian McKellen
"Stealing Beauty" Beverly Hills Premiere
Beverly Hills
06/19/1996
guest and Sir Ian McKellen
54th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Beverly Hills
01/19/1997
Sir Ian McKellen
1997 Vanity Fair Oscar Party - Arrivals
Beverly Hills
03/24/1997
Ian McKellen, Lynn Redgrave, Brandon Fraizer and Lolita Davidovich
Opening of "A Night in Los Angeles"
Los Angeles
05/19/1997
Actor Jack Lemmon attends the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain's Touring Production of "Richard III" Pre-Performance and Special Dinner Party to Benefit the UCLA's Sir Ian McKellen Student Scholarship in Acting on September 17, 1992 at UCLA's Royce Hall in Westwood, California. Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Actor Jack Lemmon attends the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain's Touring Production...
Ron Galella Archive - File Photos 2009
Various cities
01/01/1999
Sir Ian McKellen
The 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Red Carpet
Beverly Hills
01/24/1999
Sir Ian McKellen
4th Broadcast Film Critics Awards
Los Angeles
01/25/1999
Sir Ian McKellen
The 5th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals
Los Angeles
03/07/1999
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Ellen DeGeneres, Ian McKellen, and Anne Heche Sean Mathias and Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
71s Annual Academy Awards - Nominees Luncheon
Beverly Hills
03/08/1999
Sir Ian McKellen
The 14th Annual IFP/West Independent Spirit Awards
Santa Monica
03/20/1999
Ellen DeGeneres, Ian McKellen, and Anne Heche
71st Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
Los Angeles
03/21/1999
Sean Mathias and Sir Ian McKellen
1999 Vanity Fair Oscar Party - Arrivals
Los Angeles
03/21/1999
Elton John and Ian Mckellen Sir Ian McKellen and guest Actors Ian McKellen and  Matthew Modine attend the Beverly Hills Screening of HBO's "And the Band Played On" on August 31, 1993 at Academy Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. Ian McKellen
Elton John and Ian Mckellen
71st Academy Awards - Elton John Party
Los Angeles
03/29/1999
Sir Ian McKellen and guest
"X-Men" New York City Premiere
New York City
07/12/2000
Actors Ian McKellen and Matthew Modine attend the Beverly Hills Screening of HBO's "And t...
Ron Galella Archive - File Photos
Various Cities
12/12/2000
Ian McKellen
Cannes 2001 - Lord of the Rings Party
Cannes
05/13/2001
Sir Ian McKellen Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
"Dance of Death" Broadway Opening Night
New York City
10/11/2001
Ian McKellen
Iris Premiere
New York City
12/02/2001
Sir Ian McKellen
"Gosford Park" New York Premiere
New York City
12/03/2001
Sir Ian McKellen
"The Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring " - New York Premiere
New York City
12/13/2001
Sir Ian McKellen Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren
Sir Ian McKellen
New York Premiere Of Kate & Leopold
New York City
12/16/2001
Ian McKellen
New York Film Critics Circle Awards
New York City
01/06/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
The National Board Of Review Awards
New York City
01/07/2002
Sir Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren
NBR of Motion Pictures Freedom of Expression Fund Gala
New York City
01/07/2002
Sir Ian McKellen Elijah Wood & Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen "Lord of the Rings" cast members Elijah Wood, left, and Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen Signing The Official Movie Guide And The Fellowship Of The Lord Of The Rings
Hollywood
01/19/2002
Elijah Wood & Sir Ian McKellen
The 59th Annual Golden Globe Awards - New Line After Party
Beverly Hills
01/20/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
The 59th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals
Beverly Hills
01/20/2002
"Lord of the Rings" cast members Elijah Wood, left, and Sir Ian McKellen
New Line Post-Golden Globes Party
Los Angeles
01/21/2002
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
62nd Annual Motion Picture Club Awards & Installation Luncheon
New York City
01/31/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
2002 British Academy Film Awards - The BAFTAs - Arrivals
London
02/24/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
44th GRAMMY Awards - Clive Davis Pre-GRAMMY Party
Beverly Hills
02/26/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
Ian McKellan - "A Knight To Remember"
Los Angeles
03/04/2002
Ian McKellen Kate Beckinsale and Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen
54th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards - Arrivals
Century City
03/09/2002
Kate Beckinsale and Sir Ian McKellen
8th Screen Actors Guild Awards - Audience
Los Angeles
03/10/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
8th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Press Room
Los Angeles
03/10/2002
Ian McKellen
8th Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals
Los Angeles
03/10/2002
Sir Ian McKellen speaks to the audience at the start of the show regarding acting. Sir Ian McKellen Tom Wilkinson and Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen speaks to the audience at the start of the show regarding acting.
8th Screen Actors Guild Awards - Show
Los Angeles
03/10/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
"Saturday Night Live" After Party - March 16, 2002
New York City
03/16/2002
Tom Wilkinson and Sir Ian McKellen
The 17th Annual IFP/West Independent Spirit Awards - Backstage
Santa Monica
03/23/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
The 17th Annual IFP/West Independent Spirit Awards - Show
Santa Monica
03/23/2002
Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen and Elton John Sir Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen
The 74th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
Hollywood
03/24/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
The 10th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation InStyle Party - Arrivals
Hollywood
03/24/2002
Sir Ian McKellen and Elton John
The 10th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation InStyle Party - Inside
Hollywood
03/24/2002
Sir Ian McKellen
"The Elephant Man" Broadway Opening Night
New York City
04/14/2002
Sir Ian McKellen Sean Matthias, Sir Ian McKellen, Rupert Graves and wife Sharon Gless and Ian McKellen Armistead Maupin and Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
Broadway Opening of "Private Lives"
New York City
04/28/2002
Sean Matthias, Sir Ian McKellen, Rupert Graves and wife
The Actors' Fund of America Gala Benefit
New York City
04/29/2002
Sharon Gless and Ian McKellen
San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival 2002
San Francisco
06/16/2002
Armistead Maupin and Sir Ian McKellen
Ecco Domani and Rancho Zabaco VIP Reception for San Francisco Pride 2002
San Francisco
06/30/2002
Sir Ian McKellen as Grand Marshal waves the UK flag as he leads the 32nd Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade Sir Ian McKellen and Hugh Grant Sir Ian McKellen accepts the Best Supporting Film Actor of the Year Award Sir Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood
Sir Ian McKellen as Grand Marshal waves the UK flag as he leads the 32nd Annual San Franci...
Sir Ian McKellen as Grand Marshal leads the 32nd Annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade
San Francisco
06/30/2002
Sir Ian McKellen and Hugh Grant
"On a Average Day" - Curtain Call and After-Party
London
08/08/2002
Sir Ian McKellen accepts the Best Supporting Film Actor of the Year Award
2002 GQ Men of the Year Awards - Show
New York City
10/16/2002
Sir Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood
2002 GQ Men of the Year Awards - Arrivals
New York City
10/16/2002
Monica Lewinsky and Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen and Benicio Del Toro Ian Mckellen Julie Walters and Ian Mckellen
Monica Lewinsky and Sir Ian McKellen
2002 GQ Men of the Year Awards - Inside
New York City
10/16/2002
Sir Ian McKellen and Benicio Del Toro
Empire Film Awards 2003 - Inside
London
02/05/2003
Ian Mckellen
2003 Orange British Academy Film Awards - The BAFTAs - Arrivals
London
02/23/2003
Julie Walters and Ian Mckellen
B.A.F.T.A. Television Awards 2003 - Pressroom
London
04/13/2003
Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen
"X-Men 2" World Premiere - Inside Arrivals
London
04/24/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
2003 Cannes Film Festival - The Gold Party Sponsored by Stella Artois
Cannes
05/19/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
Uk Premiere Of "Whale Rider" In The Presence Of The Prime Minister Of New Zealand
London
07/10/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
2003 Toronto International Film Festival - "Stander" Premiere
Toronto
09/06/2003
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen with The Variety UK Personality Award and Orlando Bloom Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
First night of Trevor Nunn's production "Anything Goes"
London
10/07/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" Press Conference with Sir Ian McKellen
London
10/13/2003
Sir Ian McKellen with The Variety UK Personality Award and Orlando Bloom
The 2003 British Independent Film Awards
London
11/04/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
"The Lord Of The Rings:The Return Of The King" Los Angeles Premiere
Westwood
12/03/2003
Ian McKellen and John Rhys-Davies David Wenham, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Dominic Monaghan, Robert Shaye, Peter Jackson & Michael Lynne Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen and John Rhys-Davies
"The Lord Of The Rings:The Return Of The King" - After Party
Los Angeles
12/03/2003
David Wenham, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Dominic Monaghan, Robert Shaye...
"The Lord Of The Rings:The Return Of The King" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet
Westwood
12/03/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" Press Conference with Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Ia...
Westwood
12/05/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
"Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King" - UK Premiere - Inside Arrivals
London
12/11/2003
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Ian McKellen addresses the audience of family and friends of ViVian Troung at the private screening of "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King".  Vivian Troung, an 8th grader from Mark Twain Intermediate School #239 in Brooklyn, NY is the Grand Prize Winner of the Pencil Essay Contest in which contestants from the 5 boroughs of New York were asked to write an essay on the theme of Ian Mckellen's character Gandalf's quote from Lord of the Rings: "All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to you" Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
"Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King" - UK Premiere - After Party
London
12/11/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
"Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King" - UK Premiere
London
12/11/2003
Ian McKellen addresses the audience of family and friends of ViVian Troung at the private ...
Sir Ian McKellen Host a Private Screening of "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" sponsored b...
New York City
12/23/2003
Sir Ian McKellen
2004 BAFTA Awards - Arrivals
London
02/15/2004
Sir Ian McKellen and Jude Law Andrew Lesnie, Peter Jackson and Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Carson Kressley and Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen and Jude Law
2004 BAFTA Awards - Inside Arrivals
London
02/15/2004
Andrew Lesnie, Peter Jackson and Sir Ian McKellen
2004 BAFTA Awards - Backstage and Audience
London
02/15/2004
Sir Ian McKellen
2004 BAFTA Awards - Show
London
02/15/2004
Carson Kressley and Sir Ian McKellen
The 19th Annual IFP Independent Spirit Awards - Bravo Red Carpet Pre-Show
Santa Monica
02/28/2004
Sir Ian McKellen Maggie Gyllenhaal and Sir Ian McKellen present for Best Feature Maggie Gyllenhaal and Sir Ian McKellen Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
The 19th Annual IFP Independent Spirit Awards - Arrivals
Santa Monica
02/28/2004
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Sir Ian McKellen present for Best Feature
The 19th Annual IFP Independent Spirit Awards - Show
Santa Monica
02/28/2004
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Sir Ian McKellen
The 19th Annual IFP Independent Spirit Awards - Audience and Backstage
Santa Monica
02/28/2004
Ian McKellen
The 76th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals by Kevin Mazur
Hollywood
02/29/2004
Ian McKellen Ian McKellen Sting and Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen
12th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party Co-hosted by In Style - Arrivals
West Hollywood
02/29/2004
Ian McKellen
The 76th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals
Hollywood
02/29/2004
Sting and Sir Ian McKellen
12th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party Co-hosted by In Style - Inside
West Hollywood
02/29/2004
Sir Ian McKellen
2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party - Arrivals
Beverly Hills
02/29/2004
Sir Ian McKellen introduces "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" nominated for Best Picture Award Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen introduces "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" nominated for ...
The 76th Annual Academy Awards - Show
Hollywood
02/29/2004
Sir Ian McKellen
"Mamma Mia! - The Musical" Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary - Inside Arrivals
London
04/06/2004
Sir Ian McKellen
"Mamma Mia! - The Musical" Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary - Arrivals
London
04/06/2004
Sir Ian McKellen
"Mamma Mia! - The Musical" Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary - After Party
London
04/06/2004
Sir Ian McKellen (right) and guest Sir Ian McKellen and guest Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen and Kate Moss
Sir Ian McKellen (right) and guest
The 6th Annual White Tie & Tiara Ball to Benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation in Association with ...
Windsor
06/24/2004
Sir Ian McKellen and guest
The 6th Annual White Tie & Tiara Ball to Benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation in Association with ...
Windsor
06/24/2004
Sir Ian McKellen
London Gay Pride Parade 2004
London
07/03/2004
Sir Ian McKellen and Kate Moss
The 6th Annual White Tie & Tiara Ball to Benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation in Association with ...
Windsor
07/20/2004
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Cameron Mackintosh Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen
"Stage Beauty" London Premiere - Inside Arrivals
London
08/22/2004
Sir Ian McKellen
"Stage Beauty" London Premiere - Arrivals
London
08/22/2004
Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Cameron Mackintosh
"Stage Beauty" London Premiere - After Party
London
08/22/2004
Sir Ian McKellen
"Ladies in Lavender" Royal London Premiere - Inside Arrivals
London
11/08/2004
Sir Ian Mckellen Ian McKellen with a scale model of how the Rose Theatre used to be in the 1600's. Sir Ian McKellen and Natasha Richardson Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian Mckellen
"Ladies in Lavender" Royal London Premiere - Outside Arrivals
London
11/08/2004
Ian McKellen with a scale model of how the Rose Theatre used to be in the 1600's.
"The Spirit of The Rose" - Theatre Photocall
London
03/08/2005
Sir Ian McKellen and Natasha Richardson
4th Annual Tribeca Film Festival - "Asylum" Premiere - Arrivals
New York City
04/25/2005
Sir Ian McKellen
The 2005 British Soap Awards - Press Room
London
05/08/2005
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Elton John and Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen Sir Ian McKellen unveils plaque for historic London Theatre
Sir Ian McKellen
Walk For Life - Photocall
London
06/19/2005
Sir Elton John and Sir Ian McKellen
The 7th Annual White Tie and Tiara Ball to Benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation in Association wit...
Windsor
06/24/2005
Sir Ian McKellen
"Mrs. Henderson Presents" London Premiere
London
11/23/2005
Sir Ian McKellen unveils plaque for historic London Theatre
Sir Ian McKellen Unveils a Southwark Council Blue Plaque at the Historic Rose Theatre
London
01/12/2006
Sir Ian McKellen Sir Richard Attenborough at the 2006 South Bank Show Awards which were held at the Savoy in London. He was presented the award for the Outstanding category by Sir Ian McKellen. Sir Ian McKellen Christian Slater and Sir Ian McKellen, recipient of Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre
Sir Ian McKellen
The South Bank Show Awards 2006 - Arrivals
London
01/27/2006
Sir Richard Attenborough at the 2006 South Bank Show Awards which were held at the Savoy i...
The South Bank Show Awards 2006 - Press Room
London
01/27/2006
Sir Ian McKellen
56th Berlinale International Film Festival - Honorary Golden Bear Award
Berlin
02/11/2006
Christian Slater and Sir Ian McKellen, recipient of Special Award for Outstanding Contribu...
2006 Laurence Olivier Awards - Drinks Reception
London
02/26/2006
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