Ian McKellan

Veteran British actor Sir Ian McKellen has criticised Little Britain star Matt Lucas for stereotyping homosexuals. The 70-year-old thespian, who is a regular campaigner for gay rights, told a group of sixth-formers at Sudbury Upper School, in Suffolk, that sketches such as Little Britain’s “only gay in the village” are not helping to increase tolerance. He said: “I have to confess that I am little disquieted at times by the way that gays are portrayed, particularly on television. “I know Matt Lucas will say that he is gay and it is not offensive, but I don’t think it gets the [ Read More ] ... Read Full Story

Veteran British actor Sir Ian McKellen has revealed that he wants a reference to his Lord Of The Rings character Gandalf on his gravestone when he dies. The 70-year-old star played the role of wizard Gandalf in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy and is due to reprise the role in new flick The Hobbit next year. Talking about what he wants on his gravestone, the openly gay actor said: “It should be: ‘Here lies Gandalf. He came out’. Two big achievements.” The actor was speaking at the Variety Club Awards in London and said that he won’t be slowing [ Read More ] ... Read Full Story

Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen is urging gay activists to “go and break windows” in the fight for equality. The British-born actor said it was important for protesters to make their voices heard, whatever it takes. McKellen, 70, said: “We’re discovering who the enemy are, and I do think we have an enemy. It means that everyone’s got to go on fighting. And in what way you fight, well, it depends who you are. “You can write a letter, you can talk about it to your congressperson, you can talk to people in bars. Or you can [ Read More ] ... Read Full Story

Lord Of The Rings star Sir Ian McKellen was offended on live TV – when he was confused with another big-screen wizard and was asked about his role in Harry Potter. The legendary British actor was appearing on US TV's The View, when actress and host Whoopi Goldberg, asked: "Now, are you coming back in Harry Potter?" Sir Ian looked clearly annoyed as he closed his eyes and paused before answering. As Goldberg began to look uncomfortable and confused by his response, Sir Ian said: "Well, if I were Mike Gambon, I might, but I don't play Harry Potter, I don't play Dumbledore – ... Read Full Story

* Sir Ian’s homosexual anguis. Sir Ian McKellen has described his persecution as a gay man, once in the closet, to the anguish Jewish people faced under Hitler’s regime. The Lord of The Rings star said the discrimination he faced left him with the idea that he could never marry a true life love. McKellen, now 70, tells Details magazine: ‘Outside London where I lived, there was no gay pub or bar you could go to. And even if you found one, it was “Knock three times and ask for Louis.”’ ‘It was horrible living this secret life. You could feel a little bit ... Read Full Story