Ian McKellen
Early Life
Sir Ian Murray McKellen was born on May 25, 1939, in Burnley, Lancashire, England. His parents, Denis Murray McKellen, a civil engineer, and Margery Lois (née Sutcliffe), a homemaker, moved the family to Wigan when McKellen was just four years old. McKellen's early interest in theatre was encouraged by his parents, who took him on a family outing to see Peter Pan at the Manchester Opera House when he was three years old.
Education
McKellen attended Bolton School, a boys' independent school in Bolton, Greater Manchester, where he developed his love for acting. He then went on to study English literature at St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he became a member of the Marlowe Society and appeared in 23 plays over three years. His roles included Shylock in The Merchant of Venice and Doctor Faustus in Doctor Faustus.
Career
McKellen's professional acting career began at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, where he spent three years performing in various productions. He gained recognition in the 1960s with his performances in A Man for All Seasons and Richard II. His portrayal of Richard II for the Prospect Theatre Company in 1968 was particularly praised and established him as one of the leading British actors of his generation.
In the 1970s, McKellen continued to impress with his performances in Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and King Lear. He also began to make his mark in film and television, with roles in A Touch of Love and David Copperfield.
McKellen's career reached new heights in the 1980s and 1990s, with acclaimed performances in Amadeus, Coriolanus, and Richard III. He also starred in several successful films, including Scandal, Gods and Monsters, and Apt Pupil.
In the 2000s, McKellen achieved worldwide fame for his roles in the The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the X-Men series. His portrayal of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and Magneto in X-Men earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as one of the most respected actors in the industry.
Personal Life
McKellen is openly gay and has been an active advocate for LGBT rights. He came out publicly in 1988 and has since used his platform to raise awareness and advocate for equality. He is a co-founder of the charity Stonewall, which campaigns for equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
Legacy
McKellen's contributions to theatre, film, and television, as well as his advocacy for LGBT rights, have left a significant impact. He has received numerous awards for his acting, including the Tony Award, Golden Globe Award, and Academy Award. He was knighted in 1991 for services to the performing arts, and in 2008 he was awarded the Companion of Honour for services to drama and to equality.