Ian McKellen biography
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Ian McKellen filmography

[h3]Sir Ian McKellen, knighted in 1991 for his services to the performing arts, is one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, having been honoured with more than 40 international awards for his work on stage and screen.[/h3]

Most recently he received Oscar, Golden Globe and Screen Actors' Guild awards for his outstanding portrayal of Hollywood director, James Whale, in Bill Condon's 'Gods And Monsters'.

Sir Ian was born in the north of England on 25th May, 1939, the son of a civil engineer. He first acted at school and at Cambridge University, where he studied English Literature and appeared in 21 undergraduate productions, before performing in repertory companies.

He gained a reputation for powerful portrayals of characters, from Richard II to Napoleon and Hamlet.

His film career began with 'The Promise', 'Alfred The Great' and 'Thank You All Very Much'.

In addition to 'Gods And Monsters' and 'Richard III', Sir Ian's numerous credits include 'Bent', 'Jack And Sarah', 'Apt Pupil', 'And The Band Played On', 'Six Degrees Of Separation', 'Last Action Hero', 'X-Men' and 'Scandal'.

Perhaps his biggest role in recent times was that of Gandalf in Peter Jackson's adaptation of JRR Tolkein's epic trilogy, 'Lord Of The Rings' (2001-2003). He earned an Oscar nomination and an award from the Screen Actors Guild for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his work in The Fellowship of the Ring.

In 2006 he enjoyed huge success as The Da Vinci Code's Sir Leigh Teabing, a rich and eccentric expert on Holy Grail mythology, who aids colleague Tom Hanks in his attempt to unravel a worldwide conspiracy involving secret Christian sects and albino killers.

Sir Ian is a co-founder of the UK pressure group Stonewall, which lobbies for equal legal and social rights for lesbians and gay men in the UK. He famously went for tea at Downing Street to discuss gay rights with then prime minister, John Major.
Ian McKellen biography



- He was knighted in 1990.

- Is a vegetarian.

- Apparently, one of the last things Margaret Thatcher did as Prime Minister was to recommend him for a knighthood.

- In 1988, Ian publicly came out of the closet on Radio 4, while discussing Margaret Thatcher's "section 28" legislation which would make the "public promotion of homosexuality" a crime.
Ian McKellen biography



The Colossus (2008) (in production)

Stardust (2007) (voice)

For the Love of God (2007)

Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II - Rise of the Witch King (2006) (VG) (voice)

Flushed Away (2006) (voice)

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Doogal (2006) (voice)

Displaced (2006) (voice)

Neverwas (2005)

"Coronation Street" (10 episodes, 2005)

Asylum (2004)

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003)

Emile (2003)

X2 (2003)

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002)

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,
The (2001)

William Shakespeare (2000)

X-Men (2000)

Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man (2000)

David Copperfield (1999)

Apt Pupil (1998)

Gods and Monsters (1998)

Swept from the Sea (1997)

Bent (1997)

Rasputin (1996)

Restoration (1995)

Richard III (1995)

Jack and Sarah (1995)

Cold Comfort Farm (1995)

To Die For (1994)

Shadow, The (1994)

I'll Do Anything (1994)

Six Degrees of Separation (1993)

And the Band Played On (1993)

Ballad of Little Jo, The (1993)

Last Action Hero (1993)

"Tales of the City" (1993)

"Sleepers" (1991)

Othello (1990)

Countdown to War (1989)

Scandal (1989)

Windmills of the Gods (1988)

Zina (1985)

Plenty (1985)

Walter and June (1983)

Scarlet Pimpernel, The (1982)

Walter (1982)

Priest of Love (1981)

Dying Day (1980)

"Amud Ha'Esh" (1979)

Macbeth (1979)

Recruiting Officer, The (1973)

Hamlet (1972)

Hedda Gabler (1972)

Edward II (1970)

Tragedy of King Richard II, The (1970)

Ross (1970)

Keats (1970) (TV)

Promise, The (1969)

Alfred the Great (1969)

Touch of Love, A (1969)

Hay Fever (1968)

"David Copperfield" (1966)

Sunday Out of Season (1965)
Ian McKellen biography




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