Sir Ian McKellen

Date of Birth:
May 25, 1939

Show History:

• Waiting for Godot

Current Role

Sir Ian McKellen recently starred as Estragon in the Theatre Royal Haymarket's revival of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.

Early Life

Ian was born in Burnley, Lancashire just before the Second World War. He studied at Bolton School (boys division) and at the age of 18 won a scholarship to St Catharine's College, Cambridge.

Career Highlights

McKellen has starred on stage and screen in a career that has spanned over 40 years and is most famous for his role as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Interesting Facts

• An active and outspoken advocate for gay rights, Sir Ian has taken to the streets on many occasions to march for equality. Famously, he marched against the controversial amendment known as Section 28 which had made it illegal to 'promote' homosexuality.
• Ian McKellen appeared as the vampire in the music video to Heart by the Pet Shop Boys.

Awards

• In 1981 Sir Ian won the Tony Award for Best Actor for his role as Salieri in Amadeus on Broadway.
• In 2001 the Screen Actors' Guild accredited Ian with the Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
• Sir Ian McKellen was knighted in the 1991 by the Queen for his services to theatre.