Ian McKellen
Date of birth: 1939-05-25
Place of birth: Burnley, Lancashire, England, UK
Known for: Acting
Also known as: Иэн МакКеллен, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Ian Murray McKellen, Σερ Ίαν Μάρεϊ ΜακΚέλεν, Ίαν ΜακΚέλεν, Ίαν Μάρεϊ ΜακΚέλεν, Ian McKellern, 이안 맥켈런, イアン・マッケラン, 伊恩·麦凯伦, 伊恩·麥克連, ایان مککلن, ی ین مککلن, إيان ماكلين, Іан Маккеллен
Biography
Sir Ian Murray McKellen (born 25 May 1939) is an English actor. He has played roles on the screen and stage in genres ranging from Shakespearean dramas and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction. He is regarded as a British cultural icon and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. He has received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award, six Olivier Awards, and a Golden Globe Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards and five Emmy Awards. McKellen made his stage debut in 1961 at the Belgrade Theatre as a member of its repertory company, and in 1965 made his first West End appearance. In 1969, he was invited to join the Prospect Theatre Company to play the lead parts in Shakespeare's Richard II and Marlowe's Edward II. In the 1970s, McKellen became a stalwart of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre of Great Britain. He has earned five Olivier Awards for his roles in Pillars of the Community (1977), The Alchemist (1978), Bent (1979), Wild Honey (1984), and Richard III (1995). McKellen made his Broadway debut in The Promise (1965). He received the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role as Antonio Salieri in Amadeus (1980). He was further nominated for Ian McKellen: Acting Shakespeare (1984). He returned to Broadway in Wild Honey(1986), Dance of Death (1990), No Man's Land (2013), and Waiting for Godot (2013), the latter two being a joint production with Patrick Stewart. McKellen achieved worldwide fame for his film roles, including the titular King in Richard III(1995), James Whale in Gods and Monsters (1998), Magneto in the X-Men films, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003) and The Hobbit (2012–2014) trilogies. Other notable film roles include A Touch of Love (1969), Plenty (1985), Six Degrees of Separation (1993), Restoration (1995), Flushed Away (2006), Mr. Holmes (2015), and The Good Liar (2019). McKellen came out as gay in 1988, and has since championed LGBT social movements worldwide. He was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in October 2014. McKellen is a cofounder of Stonewall, an LGBT rights lobby group in the United Kingdom, named after the Stonewall riots. He is also patron of LGBT History Month, Pride London, Oxford Pride, GayGlos, LGBT Foundation and FFLAG. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ian McKellen, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Movie Credits
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
2001-12-18
Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
2002-12-18
Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2003-12-17
As armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world--and powerful, ancient forc
The Da Vinci Code
2006-05-17
A murder in Paris’ Louvre Museum and cryptic clues in some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous painti
Gods and Monsters
1998-09-12
It's 1957, and James Whale's heyday as the director of "Frankenstein," "Bride of Frankenstein" and "
The Golden Compass
2007-12-04
After overhearing a shocking secret, precocious orphan Lyra Belacqua trades her carefree existence r
Stardust
2007-08-10
In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that h
Swept from the Sea
1998-01-23
The film tells the story of Russian emigree and the only survivor from ship crash Yanko Goorall and
Jack & Sarah
1995-06-02
Jack always lands on his feet. He lands on his feet when he marries the beautiful Sarah. He lands on
And the Band Played On
1993-09-11
The story of the discovery of the AIDS epidemic and the political infighting of the scientific commu
Six Degrees of Separation
1993-12-08
The story of a young, gay, black, con artist who, posing as the son of Sidney Poitier, cunningly man
Neverwas
2005-09-09
Zach Riley is a psychiatrist, who leaves a job at a prestigious university, to take up a job at the
Richard III
1995-12-29
A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III descend into madness. Though the setting is
Flushed Away
2006-10-22
London high-society mouse, Roddy is flushed down the toilet by Sid, a common sewer rat. Hang on for
Ian McKellen on Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and YOU
2020-06-11
One-man stage performance by English stage and screen actor Sir Ian McKellen. McKellen reprises role
The Scarlet Pimpernel
1982-11-09
During the French Revolution, a mysterious English nobleman known only as The Scarlet Pimpernel (a h
Doogal
2006-02-24
An adorable candy-loving mutt goes on a mission to save the world.
Asylum
2005-09-09
A woman becomes very curious about one of her psychiatrist husband's inmates, a man who was found gu
The Shadow
1994-07-01
Based on the 1930s comic strip, The Shadow is put up against his archenemy Shiwan Khan, who plans to
Scandal
1989-03-03
An English bon-vivant osteopath is enchanted with a young exotic dancer and invites her to live with
Cold Comfort Farm
1995-01-01
In this adaptation of the satirical British novel, Flora Poste, a plucky London society girl orphane
Apt Pupil
1998-10-23
One day in 1984, Todd Bowden, a brilliant high school boy fascinated by the history of Nazism, stumb
Last Action Hero
1993-06-18
After his father's death, a young boy finds solace in action movies featuring an indestructible cop.
The Keep
1983-12-16
Set during World War II, a German army garrison is sent to guard a mountain pass in a village in Rom
Macbeth
1979-02-02
Macbeth is a 1978 videotaped version of Trevor Nunn's Royal Shakespeare Company production of the pl
Plenty
1985-09-20
David Hare's account of a one-time French freedom fighter who gradually realizes that her post-war l
Hamlet Within
2022-05-21
A radical cinematic investigation into the myth of Hamlet, the avenging prince of Denmark, William S
Émile
2003-01-01
In a story weaving the past and present together, Emile seeks redemption from the family he abandone
X-Men
2000-07-13
Two mutants, Rogue and Wolverine, come to a private academy for their kind whose resident superhero
X2
2003-04-27
Professor Charles Xavier and his team of genetically gifted superheroes face a rising tide of anti-m
X-Men: The Last Stand
2006-05-24
When a cure is found to treat mutations, lines are drawn amongst the X-Men—led by Professor Charles
The Trial and Torture of Sir John Rampayne
1965-11-10
An elderly right-wing politician is kidnapped, seemingly as part of a student prank. But his captors
An Evening with Lily Savage
1996-11-11
Enjoy the outrageous and flamboyant First Lady of British Comedy, Lily Savage, as she performs her i
King Lear
2008-08-06
An aging King invites disaster, when he abdicates to his corrupt, toadying daughters, and rejects hi
The Magic Roundabout
2004-10-24
A shaggy, candy-loving puppy named Dougal along with a group of friends embarks on a dangerous journ
Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man
2000-05-05
A child is born. We see underwater swimmers representing this. He is young, in a jungle setting, wit
Rasputin
1996-03-23
Into an era seething with war and revolution, a man comes with an incredible power to heal a nation.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2012-12-12
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the Grey and
Priest of Love
1981-10-11
Following the banning and burning of his novel, "The Rainbow," D.H. Lawrence and his wife, Frieda, m
Gladio
1992-07-10
In three programmes shown over consecutive weeks in BBC2's Timewatch strand, Allan Francovich interv
Bent
1997-11-26
Max is a handsome young man who, after a fateful tryst with a German soldier, is forced to run for h
The Ballad of Little Jo
1993-08-20
After being thrown out of her home, a young woman decides to disguise herself as a man to survive th
Alfred the Great
1969-10-08
While Old England is being ransacked by roving Danes in the 9th century, Alfred is planning to join
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
2013-12-11
The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained t
Walter
1982-11-02
A man with learning difficulties suffers neglect and ill-treatment, and this is only exasperated whe
Richard II
The Tragedy of King Richard II
Now You See Him: 'The Invisible Man' Revealed!
2000-08-29
A documentary from Universal about the movie "The Invisible Man" (1933) directed by James Whale.
Saint of 9/11
2006-04-27
Saint of 9/11 presents the turbulent, restless, spiritual and remarkable journey of Father Mychal Ju
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
2014-12-10
Following Smaug's attack on Laketown, Bilbo and the dwarves try to defend Erebor's mountain of treas
Schadenfreude
Jeremy O'Reilly, the self-important presenter of a TV news show, returns to a clueless East End comm
X-Men: Days of Future Past
2014-05-15
The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods as
London 2012: Paralympics Opening Ceremony
2012-08-29
The opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic games.
A Touch of Love
1969-09-01
Intellectually driven doctoral student Rosamund Stacey, while undertaking graduate work at the Briti
Theatreland
2009-01-01
8 part series behind the scenes at the famous Theatre Royal, Haymarket, with a focus on a production
To Die For
1994-12-02
Simon and Mark live together in London. When Mark dies of AIDS, Simon gets on with his life rather q
Surviving Friendly Fire
1997-06-21
In the early 90's seventy youth from a Hollywood homeless shelter started a theatre project encourag
Walter and June
1983-04-30
Sequel to the TV film "Walter". In the United States, the two films have been released together on D
Muse of Fire
2013-09-26
Funny, passionate, exciting, and smart: ‘Muse Of Fire’ will change the way you feel about Shakespear
Every Good Boy Deserves Favour
1979-11-14
Every Good Boy Deserves Favour is a stage play by Tom Stoppard with music by André Previn. It was fi
A Bit Of Scarlet
1997-06-20
A Bit of Scarlet excavates clips from Britain's cinema archives to create a moving and humorous test
Ian McKellen: Acting Shakespeare
1982-04-25
A record of McKellen's one-man Broadway show about the Bard.
The Critic
2024-09-13
Jimmy Erskine is the most feared theatre critic of the age. He lives as flamboyantly as he writes an
Larry & Vivien: The Oliviers in Love
2001-09-13
A portrait of the 30 year relationship between Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. With comments by t
Miss in Her Teens
2014-04-15
An adaptation of David Garrick's 1747 afterpiece, this lighthearted comedy follows Miss Biddy Bellai
Othello
1990-06-23
Noble Moroccan Othello finds his life with beautiful, fiercely loyal Desdemona thrown tragically out
Zina
1985-11-01
Zina, the daughter of Leon Trotsky by his first wife, is undergoing freudian analysis in Berlin in t
For the Love of God
2007-02-28
'For the Love of God' is the wickedly irreverent tale of Graham (Coogan); an over-grown man-child st
The One Note Man
2023-08-08
A musical man lives a careful life. Each day is like the next, just how he likes it. One day, howeve
All the World's a Screen: Shakespeare on Film
2016-04-24
An exploration into the history of Shakespeare's plays, from the silent era to the modern day featur
Hamlet
2024-02-27
A tale of revenge that has stood the test of time, Shakespeare’s classic tragedy is reimagined for t
Mr. Holmes
2015-06-19
In 1947, long-retired and near the end of his life, Sherlock Holmes grapples with an unreliable memo
Peter Tatchell: Just Who Does He Think He Is?
2004-03-27
Profile of the life, work and ethos behind one of Britain's most controversial and prolific human ri
Armistead Maupin Is a Man I Dreamt Up
1993-06-23
An affectionate portrait of San Francisco, and of the man whose Tales of the City have inspired thou
Stonewall 25: Global Voices of Pride and Protest
1994-09-23
Finished a quarter century after the earth-shaking protests that forever altered the public percepti
I'll Do Anything
1994-02-04
Matt Hobbs is a talented but unsuccessful actor. When estranged (and strange) ex-wife Beth dumps the
The Wolverine
2013-07-21
Wolverine faces his ultimate nemesis - and tests of his physical, emotional, and mortal limits - in
The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot
2013-11-23
With the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who about to film, the "classic" Doctors Peter Davison, Colin Ba
Animal Crackers
2017-06-23
A family must use a magical box of Animal Crackers to save a rundown circus from being taken over by
Hamlet
1970-11-07
Hamlet suspects his uncle has murdered his father to claim the throne of Denmark and the hand of Ham
The Hobart Shakespeareans
2005-09-06
Rafe Esquith, 1992 American Teacher of the Year and National Medal of Arts recipient, teaches 5th-gr
Untitled Anthony Hopkins Documentary
Anthony Hopkins has confirmed that his wife is working on a documentary about his life.
Quintessentially British
2022-10-27
This unique and cheeky documentary explores Britain and what makes our country great from our tradit
Nelson Mandela Redrawn
2014-07-18
This fascinating documentary unfolds in reverse telling the story of Mandela from the old man to the
Looking for Lowry
2011-04-24
Looking for Lowry is an entertaining documentary film about the life and work of the much loved Brit
Knights of Classic Drama at the BBC
2015-11-01
The BBC delves into its archives to discover British acting greats as they take their first tentativ
The Life and Death of Lily Savage
2024-03-29
Intimate documentary exploring how Paul O'Grady's creation, Lily Savage, took mainstream TV by storm
The Dresser
2015-10-31
One fateful night in a small English regional theatre during World War II a troupe of touring actors
Doctor Who: The Snowmen
2012-12-25
The Doctor has retired to 1892 London. Despite the protests of his allies, he is determined to keep
Lady Grey London
2010-12-08
Starring Marion Cotillard as Lady Grey, a burlesque artist with magical healing powers, the unshakab
Beauty and the Beast
2017-03-16
A live-action adaptation of Disney's version of the classic tale of a cursed prince and a beautiful
Edward II
1970-08-06
The reign of Edward II, King of England, is troubled from the start when he brings his male lover, h
The Real Ken Dodd: The Man I Loved
2024-06-09
Produced over four years with full access from Ken’s widow Lady Dodd, the film takes an in-depth loo
Shakespeare Live! From the RSC
2016-04-23
From the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, David Tennant, Catherine Tate and guests mark the l
The Promise
1969-12-01
Set in Leningrad. Follows the lives of three young Russians from the terror of the German siege of L
A Filmmaker's Journey: Making 'The Return of the King'
2004-12-14
A documentary about the making of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'.
Beyond the Movie: The Return of the King
2003-12-12
Documentary exploring the parallels between 'The Return of the King' and real events and people in h
Restoration
1995-12-29
An aspiring young physician, Robert Merivel found himself in the service of King Charles II and save
Hedda Gabler
1972-10-20
Adaptation of the play by Henrik Ibsen.
Dragfox
2024-08-31
Sam's search for identity gets interrupted by a mysterious neighbourhood fox. Together they embark o
The Roof
2016-03-31
A brief comedy about a visit from a legendary theatre maker and his legion of fans.
Evolution X - The Making of X-Men
2003-02-11
A four part documentary on the making of the first X-Men film, from pre-production, to principal pho
The Second Uncanny Issue of X-Men! Making 'X2'
2003-11-25
Documentary on the making of 'X2: X-Men United'.
The Art of Breaking Character
2007-03-26
The cast of Extras talking about corpsing on set.
Judi Dench: All the World's Her Stage
2016-12-30
This documentary celebrates one of Britain’s greatest actors, Dame Judi Dench, and looks back over h
National Theatre Live: No Man's Land
2016-12-15
One summer's evening, two ageing writers, Hirst and Spooner, meet in a Hampstead pub and continue th
X-Men: Premieres Around the World
2003-02-11
We find notes from Singer, Stan Lee, Stewart, McKellen, Berry, Mane, Davison, Romijn-Stamos, Paquin,
Quest for the Ring
2001-11-29
Passage to Middle-Earth: The Making of 'The Lord of the Rings'
2001-12-09
The making of Peter Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien's classic work.
A Lost and Found Box of Human Sensation
2010-06-25
When his father dies unexpectedly, a young man seeking to cope with his grief goes on a powerful emo
The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin
2017-03-11
The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin celebrates one of the world’s most beloved storytellers, follow
The Good Liar
2019-11-08
Career con man Roy sets his sights on his latest mark: recently widowed Betty, worth millions. And h
The Betty Driver Story
2011-02-01
The Paul O'Grady Story
2017-06-23
A razor-witted entertainer who found fame as two people - first his drag queen alter ego, Lily Savag
McKellen: Playing the Part
2018-05-25
Built upon a 14 hour interview, McKellen: Playing the Part is a unique journey through the key landm
Cats
2019-12-19
A tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer
National Theatre Live: King Lear
2018-09-27
Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two ageing fathers – one
Frodo Is Great... Who Is That?!!
2004-07-23
The documentary looks at the rise to celebrity status of NZ actor and musician Bret McKenzie, who ap
All Is True
2018-12-21
London, June 29th, 1613. The Globe Theater, ran by the famous playwright William Shakespeare, accide
David Macaulay: Roman City
1994-02-15
The glories of Ancient Rome are explored in ROMAN CITY, based on David Macaulay's acclaimed book. Th
The Quest Fulfilled: A Director's Vision
2003-12-26
Making of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
Edmund the Magnificent
2017-03-01
When news breaks that the county pig fete's being revived, the once-legendary Farmer decides to make
How a Kite Flies
2017-04-28
Sir Ian McKellen voices an alcoholic kite. A down-and-out who prefers to hang around his dingy local
Beyond the Movie: The Fellowship of the Ring
2001-12-23
A documentary about the influences on Tolkien, covering in brief his childhood and how he detested t
The World of Gods and Monsters: A Journey with James Whale
1999-06-08
Written, co-produced and co-directed by David J. Skal, THE WORLD OF GODS AND MONSTERS is a behind-th
The Egg Trick
2013-06-21
Do you know the joke about the broken egg?
Hating Peter Tatchell
2021-11-01
The powerful and inspiring true story of the controversial human rights campaigner whose provocative
Eighteen
2005-01-01
Pip, a street kid just turning 18, receives his grandfather's World War II-era memoirs and discovers
Small-Time Revolutionary
2010-07-22
England, 1988. Thatcher, New Order, Section 28, The Kants. Russell finds himself caught between two
Ringers: Lord of the Fans
2005-01-21
'Ringers: Lord of the Fans' is a feature-length documentary that explores how "The Lord of the Rings
The Tragedy of King Richard II
1970-07-30
The Tragedy of King Richard II, by William Shakespeare. The actions and repercussions of a proud Kin
Countdown to War
1989-04-07
Based on a play, the story details the dramatic negotiations between UK, France, Poland, Nazi-German
The Wolverine: Path of a Ronin
2013-12-03
A nice exploration of the samurai-ninja aspect of the story, including its roots in the actual Marve
Play the Devil: Making Richard III
2016-05-31
Sir Ian McKellen and Richard Loncraine talking about making the film.
Shakespeare on Stage, Screen and Elsewhere with Ian McKellen
2016-05-31
Acting legend Ian McKellen discusses his impressive range of Shakespearean performances. Since playi
Shakespeare on Film
2016-05-31
Ian McKellen and Richard Loncraine in conversation about Richard III.
X-Men: The Mutant Watch
2000-07-02
While Senator Kelly addresses a senate committee about the supposed mutant menace, we learn about th
Infinitum: Subject Unknown
2021-03-03
Jane is the subject of a twisted science experiment where she is placed in a parallel world and is f
Du Fu: China's Greatest Poet
2020-04-05
Sir Ian McKellen reads the poetry, Michael Wood traces the journey on the ground. Together they conj
On Broadway
2019-10-12
An all-star cast tells the inside story of the Broadway theater, and how it came back from the brink
Scarfe's Follies
1988-01-28
Cartoonist Gerald Scarfe looks at that most English of things - the folly.
Camp Christmas
1993-12-24
Several guests who are lesbian or gay go to a home for Christmas.
The Christophers
2025-09-07
The estranged children of a once-famous artist hire a forger to complete his unfinished works so the
The Making of 'The Two Towers'
2003-04-01
A behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of 2002's "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." Cre
The Making of 'The Return of the King'
2004-04-01
A behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of 2003's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the K
Süleyman the Magnificent
1987-01-01
Süleyman (or Süleiman) the Magnificent was the longest-reigning emperor of the Ottoman empire. Known
Freedom: 50 Years of Pride
2022-07-02
This documentary reveals the surprising and overlooked history of Pride: its origins, its struggles
Ken Dodd: A Legacy of Happiness
2025-03-23
A star-studded documentary revealing the private man behind one of Britain’s greatest comic geniuses
Avengers: Doomsday
2026-12-17
The Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and X-Men all fight against Doctor Doom. Plot
Dragged Through Time
2025-07-26
Touching on major moments for the LGBTQ community throughout history.
After Stonewall
1999-06-06
This sequel to "Before Stonewall" documents the history of gay and lesbian life from the riots at St
No Man's Land
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart lead the cast in this glorious revival of Harold Pinter’s comic cla
Dying Day
1980-02-12
A lonely man with punctilious habits listens to a tape cassette of ambient barroom sounds, which inc
A World War II Fairy Tale: The Making of Michael Mann's 'The Keep'
2025-09-10
Exploring Michael Mann's 1983 film adapted from the F. Paul Wilson novel and its impact.
Guerrilla Distribution
2007-01-17
Back in 2005 two filmmakers tried to defeat their nemesis by making a film about a giant monkey on t
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
2027-12-16
A new film based on the novels.
Graceless Go I
1974-10-08
Film "Graceless Go I" based of the 1969 novel of the same name by Anthony Storey. A young and crass
My First Time
2004-10-12
Six young Brits recount their first gay sexual experiences as hot, athletic models recreate those tr
Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol
2026-11-12
Ebenezer Scrooge embarks on a supernatural journey to face his past, present and future and fight fo
Frank and Percy
During their dog walks on Hampstead Heath, two older gentlemen find their conversations about everyd