10 fun and interesting Ian McKellen facts

1. An Actor with a Legend

Ian McKellen is an acclaimed actor, best known for his roles in some of the most iconic films of all time. He has starred in the beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy, playing the beloved wizard Gandalf, as well as the X-Men films, The Da Vinci Code, and many other films. His performances have earned him numerous awards and accolades, cementing his place as one of the most beloved actors of all time.

Also → Daniel Day-Lewis declines "The Lord of the Rings" role

2. Sir A Leading Actor and Activist

Sir Ian McKellen has been widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts. In 1979, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and in 1991 he was knighted for his services to the performing arts. His commitment to equality and drama was further acknowledged in 2008 when he was awarded the Companion of Honor, a prestigious award that is only given to 65 people at any one time.

Also → Patrick Stewart: A Star Trek Legend

3. X-Men films resonate with my experience as a minority

Ian McKellen, an openly gay actor, has a special connection to the X-Men films. He believes that the central theme of the movies, which is about mutants being discriminated against and not being able to live in peace, resonates with his own experience of being a minority. McKellen has said that this is why he can relate to the X-Men films so deeply, and why he was so passionate about playing the role of Magneto.

Also → James Purefoy: A Member of the Royal Shakespeare Company

4. Ian McKellen Tops Pink List!

In 2006, Ian McKellen made history by becoming the first openly gay man to top the Independent on Sunday's Pink List, a prestigious ranking of the most influential LGBT+ people in the world. His achievement was a milestone for the LGBT+ community, and a testament to his immense talent and dedication to the cause of equality.

Also → Liv Tyler: From "Elf Maiden" to Iconic Lord of the Rings Character

5. Ian McKellen Passes on 'MI2' Role

Although Ian McKellen was offered the role of Commander Swanbeck in 2000's "Mission Impossible II", he was unable to accept due to a prior theatre engagement. As a result, the role was eventually taken up by Anthony Hopkins, who went on to deliver a memorable performance in the film.

Also → Emma Watson: From School Plays to Iconic Harry Potter Role

6. Ian McKellen & Patrick Stewart: RSC Greats

Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart were both members of the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company at the same time, a prestigious theatre company based in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. During their time with the company, they both performed in a variety of Shakespearean plays, including Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and The Merchant of Venice. McKellen and Stewart's time with the Royal Shakespeare Company was a formative experience for both of them, and it was during this period that their friendship began.

Also → Sean Bean: From Newbury to Lord of the Rings

7. Oscar Nominee

Ian McKellen is an acclaimed actor who has been nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is the only actor from the trilogy to receive such an honor, highlighting his immense talent and dedication to the craft. McKellen's portrayal of Gandalf the Grey was widely praised by critics and fans alike, and his nomination for Best Supporting Actor is a testament to his skill and commitment to the role.

Also → Ralph Fiennes Gets Nephew a Role in Harry Potter Franchise

8. Ian McKellen Mocks His Former Ally in New Movie

Ian McKellen is well-known for his iconic roles in both "X-Men" and "The Lord of The Rings". In both movies, he uses the phrase "old friend" to mock his nemesis, who had once been his ally. The connotation of the phrase is one of mockery, and it serves as a reminder of the betrayal that McKellen's character has suffered.

Also → Viggo Mortensen, Actor, Does All His Own Stunts in 'Hidalgo'

9. Ian McKellen and Bruce Davison Star in Four Bryan Singer Movies

Ian McKellen and Bruce Davison have starred together in four movies: the 1993 drama "Six Degrees of Separation", the 1998 thriller "Apt Pupil", the 2000 superhero blockbuster "X-Men", and its 2003 sequel "X2". While all of these films were directed by Bryan Singer, the first of the four, "Six Degrees of Separation", was the only one not directed by him.

Also → Justin Theroux: Actor, Iconic Films

10. Ian McKellen declines role in Harry Potter movie

In 2004, the renowned actor Ian McKellen declined the offer to play the iconic role of Professor Dumbledore in the third installment of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban". Despite being a highly sought-after actor, McKellen chose to pass on the role, which was eventually filled by the late Richard Harris and then Michael Gambon. McKellen's decision to turn down the role was a surprise to many, as he had previously expressed interest in the Harry Potter franchise.