Ian McKellen Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Sir Ian Murray McKellen |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1939 |
| Age | 87 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Burnley, Lancashire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actor |
| Years Active | 1959-present |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Spouse | Not married; longtime partner since 2009: Phil Tracy |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | ~$70 million |
| Known For | Gandalf, Magneto, Shakespearean roles, LGBTQ+ advocacy |
Early Life & Education
McKellen grew up in Wigan and Bolton, surviving World War II air raids that fueled his imagination. His parents nurtured his love of theater, taking him to productions in Manchester. He studied English at Cambridge University's St Catharine's College, joining the Marlowe Society and performing alongside Derek Jacobi and Trevor Nunn.
Career Journey
Stage Foundations
After Cambridge, McKellen joined regional repertory theaters and rose to prominence with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre, playing Macbeth, Richard II, King Lear, and dozens of classical roles. He won multiple Olivier Awards and a Tony for the Broadway production of Amadeus (1981).
Film & Pop Culture Breakthrough
McKellen became a household name globally as Magneto in Bryan Singer's X-Men (2000) and as Gandalf in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003), reprising both roles in subsequent films. He earned Academy Award nominations for Gods and Monsters (1998) and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001).
Recent Work
McKellen continues performing on stage and screen in productions such as The Hobbit, Mr. Holmes, Beauty and the Beast, and The Good Liar. He toured the UK with his one-man show Ian McKellen on Stage (2019-2023) to celebrate his 80th birthday, raising funds for theaters. In 2026 he stars in the Netflix limited series The Bishop's Gambit and returns to the West End in a revival of The Visit.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Gods and Monsters | James Whale | Oscar nomination |
| 2000 | X-Men | Magneto | Franchise launch |
| 2001 | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | Gandalf | Oscar nomination |
| 2006 | The Da Vinci Code | Sir Leigh Teabing | Dan Brown adaptation |
| 2015 | Mr. Holmes | Sherlock Holmes | Character study |
| 2019 | Cats | Gus the Theatre Cat | Musical adaptation |
| 2023 | Infamy | Sir Basil | Independent thriller |
Awards & Honors
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Tony Awards | Best Actor in a Play | Amadeus | Won |
| 1989 | Laurence Olivier Awards | Best Actor | Othello | Won |
| 1996 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Rasputin | Won |
| 1998 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Gods and Monsters | Nominated |
| 2004 | Commander of the Order of the British Empire | Queen's Honors | Services to drama | Appointed |
| 2008 | Kennedy Center Honors | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$70 million (2026)
McKellen earns from film and TV roles, stage tours, voice work, and royalties from Lord of the Rings and X-Men franchises. He invests in UK theater refurbishments and supports independent cinema.
Personal Life
McKellen publicly came out in 1988 during debates over the UK's Section 28 law restricting LGBTQ+ education. He has been a vocal rights advocate ever since. Known for wit and warmth, he is friends with Patrick Stewart, with whom he frequently travels and collaborates.
Philanthropy & Activism
He co-founded Stonewall UK, lobbies for LGBTQ+ equality worldwide, and supports local theaters, youth arts education, and HIV/AIDS charities. McKellen's 80th birthday tour donated every ticket sale to regional venues.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram/Twitter: @sirianmckellen shares production diaries, activism updates, book recommendations, and friendship moments with performers like Patrick Stewart.
Lesser-Known Facts
- McKellen is an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church and officiated Patrick Stewart's 2013 wedding.
- He enjoys comic books and proudly signs fan memorabilia as both Gandalf and Magneto.
- McKellen hosts pub quizzes for charity, often surprising fans by reading Tolkien passages.
- He once considered retiring in the 1990s but credits Apt Pupil for reigniting his film career.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
McKellen is filming The Bishop's Gambit in Ireland, slated for a 2026 Netflix release. He will headline the West End revival of The Visit and continue his charity pub-tour raising funds for Stonewall Housing. A 4K remaster of Gods and Monsters with his commentary launches in fall 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Ian McKellen?
Sir Ian McKellen is a British actor celebrated for his Shakespearean stage work and blockbuster roles as Gandalf and Magneto.
What is Ian McKellen most famous for?
He is most famous for The Lord of the Rings and X-Men franchises, as well as his activism for LGBTQ+ rights.
Is Ian McKellen active on social media?
Yes. McKellen shares updates on Instagram and Twitter, offering candid glimpses into theater rehearsals and charity events.