Ian McKellen

Born:25 maja 1939

Place of Birth:Burnley, Lancashire, England, UK

Known For:Acting

Biography

Sir Ian McKellen, born on May 25, 1939, in England, is a versatile actor known for his remarkable performances on both stage and screen. With a career spanning decades, McKellen has showcased his talent in a wide array of genres, from classic Shakespearean dramas to beloved fantasy and science fiction films. His contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified his status as a British cultural icon, a title further emphasized by his knighthood bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

McKellen's journey in the world of acting began in 1961 at the Belgrade Theatre, where he made his stage debut as a member of the repertory company. Over the years, he honed his craft and made a name for himself in the theatre scene, eventually gracing the West End in 1965. His association with prestigious theatre companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre of Great Britain further elevated his standing as a distinguished stage actor, earning him accolades such as six Olivier Awards for various standout performances.

Transitioning seamlessly between stage and screen, McKellen captivated audiences with his unforgettable portrayals in iconic films. From his riveting performance as the titular King in "Richard III" to his portrayal of the powerful Magneto in the "X-Men" franchise, McKellen's on-screen presence has left a lasting impact on viewers worldwide. His embodiment of characters like Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies solidified his status as a legendary figure in the realm of fantasy cinema.

Beyond his acting prowess, McKellen's personal journey has also been marked by significant milestones. In 1988, he bravely came out as gay, becoming a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights globally. His involvement in organizations like Stonewall and his support for initiatives such as LGBT History Month showcase his unwavering commitment to championing equality and acceptance for all individuals.

In addition to his contributions to the entertainment industry, McKellen's philanthropic efforts have been commendable. His dedication to causes such as Pride London, LGBT Foundation, and FFLAG highlights his desire to create a more inclusive and compassionate world for marginalized communities. Recognized for his outstanding achievements, McKellen was granted the Freedom of the City of London in 2014, further solidifying his legacy as not just a talented actor, but also a compassionate advocate for social change.

Ian McKellen's impact extends far beyond the characters he has portrayed on stage and screen. His legacy as a trailblazer in both the realms of acting and activism serves as an inspiration to aspiring performers and advocates alike. With a career marked by excellence, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of social justice, McKellen continues to captivate audiences and make a lasting impact on the world around him.

Images

Filmografia

Aktorstwo

Beauty and the Beast

Cogsworth

2017

A live-action adaptation of Disney's version of the classic tale of a cursed prince and a beautiful young woman who helps him break the spell.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Gandalf

2001

Young hobbit Frodo Baggins, after inheriting a mysterious ring from his uncle Bilbo, must leave his home in order to keep it from falling into the hands of its evil creator. Along the way, a fellowship is formed to protect the ringbearer and make sure that the ring arrives at its final destination: Mt. Doom, the only place where it can be destroyed.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Gandalf

2003

As armies mass for a final battle that will decide the fate of the world--and powerful, ancient forces of Light and Dark compete to determine the outcome--one member of the Fellowship of the Ring is revealed as the noble heir to the throne of the Kings of Men. Yet, the sole hope for triumph over evil lies with a brave hobbit, Frodo, who, accompanied by his loyal friend Sam and the hideous, wretched Gollum, ventures deep into the very dark heart of Mordor on his seemingly impossible quest to destroy the Ring of Power.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Gandalf

2002

Frodo Baggins and the other members of the Fellowship continue on their sacred quest to destroy the One Ring--but on separate paths. Their destinies lie at two towers--Orthanc Tower in Isengard, where the corrupt wizard Saruman awaits, and Sauron's fortress at Barad-dur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor. Frodo and Sam are trekking to Mordor to destroy the One Ring of Power while Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn search for the orc-captured Merry and Pippin. All along, nefarious wizard Saruman awaits the Fellowship members at the Orthanc Tower in Isengard.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Gandalf the Grey

2014

Following Smaug's attack on Laketown, Bilbo and the dwarves try to defend Erebor's mountain of treasure from others who claim it: the men of the ruined Laketown and the elves of Mirkwood. Meanwhile an army of Orcs led by Azog the Defiler is marching on Erebor, fueled by the rise of the dark lord Sauron. Dwarves, elves and men must unite, and the hope for Middle-Earth falls into Bilbo's hands.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Gandalf the Grey

2012

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit enjoying his quiet life, is swept into an epic quest by Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves who seek to reclaim their mountain home from Smaug, the dragon.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Gandalf the Grey

2013

The Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.

The Da Vinci Code

Sir Leigh Teabing

2006

A murder in Paris’ Louvre Museum and cryptic clues in some of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery. For 2,000 years a secret society closely guards information that — should it come to light — could rock the very foundations of Christianity.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Magneto

2014

The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods as they join forces with their younger selves in an epic battle that must change the past – to save our future.

Flushed Away

The Toad (voice)

2006

London high-society mouse, Roddy is flushed down the toilet by Sid, a common sewer rat. Hang on for a madcap adventure deep in the sewer bowels of Ratropolis, where Roddy meets the resourceful Rita, the rodent-hating Toad and his faithful thugs, Spike and Whitey.

Last Action Hero

Death

1993

After his father's death, a young boy finds solace in action movies featuring an indestructible cop. Given a magic ticket by a theater manager, he is transported into the film and teams up with the cop to stop a villain who escapes into the real world.

The Shadow

Dr. Reinhardt Lane

1994

Based on the 1930s comic strip, The Shadow is put up against his archenemy Shiwan Khan, who plans to take over the world by holding a city to ransom using an atom bomb. Using his powers of invisibility and "the power to cloud men's minds", The Shadow comes blazing to the rescue with explosive results.

Cats

Gus, the Theatre Cat

2019

A tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life.

Mr. Holmes

Sherlock Holmes

2015

In 1947, long-retired and near the end of his life, Sherlock Holmes grapples with an unreliable memory and must rely on his housekeeper's son as he revisits the still-unsolved case that led to his retirement.

Apt Pupil

Kurt Dussander

1998

One day in 1984, Todd Bowden, a brilliant high school boy fascinated by the history of Nazism, stumbles across an old man whose appearance resembles that of Kurt Dussander, a wanted Nazi war criminal. A month later, Todd decides to knock on his door.

The Critic

Jimmy Erskine

2024

Jimmy Erskine is the most feared theatre critic of the age. He lives as flamboyantly as he writes and takes pleasure in savagely taking down any actor who fails to meet his standards. When the owner of the Daily Chronicle dies, and his son takes over, Jimmy quickly finds himself at odds with his new boss and his position under threat. In an attempt to preserve the power and influence he holds so sacred, Jimmy strikes a Faustian pact with a struggling actress, entangling them and the boss in a thrilling but deadly web of desire, blackmail, and betrayal.

The Good Liar

Roy Courtnay

2019

Career con man Roy sets his sights on his latest mark: recently widowed Betty, worth millions. And he means to take it all. But as the two draw closer, what should have been another simple swindle takes on the ultimate stakes.

Scandal

John Profumo

1989

An English bon-vivant osteopath is enchanted with a young exotic dancer and invites her to live with him. He serves as friend and mentor, and through his contacts and parties she and her friend meet and date members of the Conservative Party. Eventually a scandal occurs when her affair with the Minister of War goes public, threatening their lifestyles and their freedom.

Gods and Monsters

James Whale

1998

It's 1957, and James Whale's heyday as the director of "Frankenstein," "Bride of Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man" is long behind him. Retired and a semi-recluse, he lives his days accompanied only by images from his past. When his dour housekeeper, Hannah, hires a handsome young gardener, the flamboyant director and simple yard man develop an unlikely friendship, which will change them forever.

Restoration

Will Gates

1995

An aspiring young physician, Robert Merivel found himself in the service of King Charles II and saves the life of someone close to the King. Merivel joins the King's court and lives the high life provided to someone of his position. Merivel is ordered to marry his King's mistress in order to divert the queens suspicions. He is given one order by the king and that is not to fall in love. The situation worsens when Merivel finds himself in love with his new wife. Eventually, the King finds out and relieves Merivel of his position and wealth. His fall from grace leaves Merivel where he first started. And through his travels and reunions with an old friend, he rediscovers his love for true medicine and what it really means to be a physician.

Richard III

1995

A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension—among them his brother, his nephews and his brother's wife. When the Duke of Buckingham deserts him, Richard's plans are compromised.

Cold Comfort Farm

Amos Starkadder

1995

In this adaptation of the satirical British novel, Flora Poste, a plucky London society girl orphaned at age 19, finds a new home with some rough relatives, the Starkadders of Cold Comfort Farm. With a take-charge attitude and some encouragement from her mischievous friend, Mary, Flora changes the Starkadders' lives forever when she settles into their rustic estate, bringing the backward clan up to date and finding inspiration for her novel in the process.

X2

Eric Lehnsherr / Magneto

2003

Professor Charles Xavier and his team of genetically gifted superheroes face a rising tide of anti-mutant sentiment led by Col. William Stryker. Storm, Wolverine and Jean Grey must join their usual nemeses—Magneto and Mystique—to unhinge Stryker's scheme to exterminate all mutants.

X-Men

Magneto

2000

Two mutants, Rogue and Wolverine, come to a private academy for their kind whose resident superhero team, the X-Men, must oppose a terrorist organization with similar powers.

X-Men: The Last Stand

Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto

2006

When a cure is found to treat mutations, lines are drawn amongst the X-Men—led by Professor Charles Xavier—and the Brotherhood, a band of powerful mutants organised under Xavier's former ally, Magneto.