Ian McKellen is an English actor with a long and successful career on stage and screen. Known for his performances in a wide variety of genres, McKellen has become a cultural icon in the UK and around the world.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 and received numerous awards and honours during his career.
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- Full name: Sir Ian Murray McKellen
- Date of birth: May 25, 1939
- Age: 84
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: Burnley, Lancashire, England
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Actor
- Height: 1.8m
- Parents: Margery Lois and Denis Murray McKellen
- Siblings: Jean McKellen (sister)
- Relationship status: None
- Spouse: No
- Children: None
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Ian McKellen, 84, was born on May 25, 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire, England. He is the second child of Margery Louise (née Sutcliffe) and Denis Murray McKellen, and has an older sister, Jean, who is five years older.
Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, the McKellen family moved to Wigan and in 1951 to Bolton.
Growing up during the war had a lasting impact on McKellen, shaping his perspective and giving him a sense of the abnormality of the conflict.
The son of a civil engineer and Irish-Scottish Protestant missionary, McKellen grew up in a Christian environment where his parents stressed the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
When McKellen was 12 years old, her mother died of breast cancer, and when she was 25, her father also died.
McKellen confessed his homosexuality to his stepmother (a Quaker) and received her acceptance and support. He believed that her indifference to his sexual orientation reflected the progressive values of the Quakers.
McKellen attended Bolton School, where he fell in love with drama. His parents nurtured this passion by taking him to the theatre from an early age.
He made his debut at Bolton Little Theatre and acted in a variety of productions throughout his school years.
McKellen later studied English literature at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge, and became an active member of the Marlowe Society.
Personal life
Ian McKellen has always been open about his sexual orientation, publicly coming out as gay in 1988. Since then, he has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting social movements and organizations that promote equality.
McKellen had a number of significant relationships in his personal life, including a relationship with Brian Taylor from 1964 to 1972 and a relationship with Sean Mathias from 1978 to 1988.
He spoke highly of his stepmother’s acceptance of his sexuality and considered her support to be the most pivotal moment in his life.
Profession
Ian McKellen has an acting career spanning more than 60 years, with huge success in both theatre and film. He made his stage debut in 1961 and has become a well-known figure in British theatre, performing with such renowned theatre companies as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
MacLean has received critical acclaim for his performances in Shakespeare plays, winning several Olivier Awards during his career.
In addition to his stage work, McKellen has also had a successful film career, gaining international recognition for his role as Gandalf in Gandalf. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Magneto X-Men movie series.
As an actor, he has played a wide variety of roles, from historical figures to iconic literary characters, showing his versatility.
McKellen’s talent and commitment to film have earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Gods and Monsters, and “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”.
net worth
Ian McKellen’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million.
Social Media
- Instagram: @IanMcKellen
- Twitter: @IanMcKellen
