Ian McKellen Biography
Ian McKellen is a Tonny award-winning English actor who rose to fame for his notable roles spanning six decades. He is also known for playing James Whale in Gods and Monsters (1998), the titular King in Richard III (1995), and The Lord of the Rings on BBC News. McKellen also gained national recognition for playing the lead parts in Shakespeare’s Richard II and Marlowe’s Edward II. He was even chosen as the Stewart of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre of Great Britain.
McKellen was born and raised in Burnley, Lancashire. He grew up as the second child in a family of three children. His family relocated to Wigan in the United Kingdom just a few years before the Second World War began back in 1939. Ian attended Bolton School and earned good grades. In 1958, he was awarded a full scholarship to study English Literature at St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge. He was also a member of the Marlowe Society while he was at Cambridge.
Ian made his acting debut back in 1961 at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry. He played various Shakespear series play from 1965 to 1969. He then made his first West End appearance in a notable role in a play called A Scent of Flowers and became a member of the Prospect Theatre Company. In the 1970s, Ian continued to Broadway and appeared in different plays like King Lear, The Way of the World, The Wood Demon, and William Shakespeare’s plays.
McKellen made his on-screen debut by starring in a 1969 film called The Promise and Alfred the Great. Ian’s other breakthrough roles are in television series like X-Men, The Lord of the Rings (2001), and The Prisoner (since 1967). McKellen has won several nominations and awards including the Golden Globe award and six Laurence Olivier Awards for his incredible on-screen role.
Ian McKellen Age
How old is Ian McKellen? McKellen is 84 years old as of 2023. He was born Sir Ian Murray McKellen on May 25, 1939, in Burnley, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom. In addition, McKellen celebrates his birthday on May 25th every year. His zodiac birth sign is Gemini.
Ian McKellen Height
Ian stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.81 m). He also weighs approximately 75 kilograms. Additionally, McKellen’s hair color is grey and his eye color is blue.
Ian McKellen Family
McKellen was born to his parents Denis Murray McKellen (father ) and Margery Lois Sutcliffe (mother). His father worked as a civil engineer and lay preacher of protestant Irish and Scottish descent while his mother was a homemaker. Ian’s paternal grandfather was a famous protestant minister from Ballymena, Country Antrim known as James Mckallen. McKellen’s mother died due to breast cancer when Ian was just twelve years old. Therefore, he grew up with his stepmother, Gladys Mackkeln who worked as a Quaker. He came out as gay to his stepmother at the age of 18. Ian also grew up alongside one sister named Jean McKellen and an older brother.
Ian McKellen Partner | Husband Patrick Stewart
Is Ian married? No, he is currently leading a single and unmarried life. He previously dated Brian Taylor from 19964 to 1972. McKallen got into a relationship with Sean Mathias from 1978 to 1988. It was also rumored that McKellen was in a relationship with his lover Patrick Stewart. However, Patrick is straight. They are just close friends who have known each other for a very long time.
Ian McKellen Harry Potter
According to our findings, Ian played the role of Wizard Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movie series after the death of the previous actor Richard Harris who played the same role in the first two films of Harry Potter. Ian did reveal that he was saddened by the news of Harris’ death because they were close acquaintances.
Ian McKellen’s Net Worth
McKellen has an estimated net worth of around $60 million dollars. His primary source of income is his career as a film and television actor.
Ian McKellen Movies
- Mr. Holmes (2015)
- X-Men (2000)
- The Lord of the Rings (2001)
- The Hobbit An Unexpected (2012)
- The Da Vinci Code (2008)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- Beauty and the Beast (2017)
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014 )
Ian McKellen TV Shows
- Vicious (2013-2016)
- Macbeth (1979)
- Doctor Who (1963 to 1989)
- The Prisoner (1967)
- Coronation (since 1960)
- Pillar of Fire (since 1981)
- Shakespeare Uncovered (since 2012)