Ian McKellen’s name resonates far beyond Manchester, embodying perfection in the art of acting. Over six decades, he has mesmerised audiences from the theatre stage to the silver screen, captivating residents of Manchester and people across the UK. Throughout his career, McKellen has portrayed Shakespearean kings, iconic wizards, comic-book villains, and a vast array of complex characters. In the 21st century, he stands as one of the most renowned actors not just in the UK but globally. His performances in films such as “The Lord of the Rings,” “X-Men,” and “The Hobbit” have made him a household name. Next on manchesterski.com.
Early Life: Becoming an Actor
McKellen was born in 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire, near Manchester. He grew up during the challenging post-war years in Britain, a time when art and culture played a critical role in healing the nation’s wounds. From a young age, McKellen was enchanted by the theatre, a passion nurtured by his parents, especially his mother, who often took him to local performances in Manchester. His first theatre visit at the age of three to see Peter Pan at Manchester Opera House ignited his lifelong love for the stage. At nine, he received a Victorian toy theatre as a Christmas gift, complete with elaborate scenery and miniature characters, which became his cherished possession.
McKellen attended Bolton School and later joined the Bolton Little Theatre, where he began honing his craft. These formative years laid the foundation for his extraordinary acting career.
Career Development
At 18, McKellen earned a scholarship to St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature. However, it was the university’s dramatic society that truly captured his heart. During his time at Cambridge, McKellen immersed himself in acting, performing in numerous plays that set the stage for his future career.
The 1960s marked a cultural renaissance in Britain, with McKellen at the forefront of a new generation of actors redefining classical theatre for contemporary audiences. By the decade’s end, he was recognised as one of the leading Shakespearean actors of his time.
The 1970s solidified McKellen’s reputation as a major figure in British theatre. Performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, he tackled challenging roles, earning acclaim for his depth and versatility. In 1979, he starred in Martin Sherman’s Bent, a play about the persecution of gay men in Nazi Germany, which resonated deeply with McKellen, who later publicly came out as gay in 1988.
McKellen transitioned to film in the 1980s, showcasing his talent on the big screen. His portrayal of the title role in Richard III (1995) was particularly memorable, blending menace and charisma to critical acclaim. This performance marked a significant milestone in his career, introducing him to a wider international audience.
Global Stardom
Though McKellen was already a celebrated figure in British theatre and film, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that he achieved worldwide fame. His roles as Magneto in the X-Men series and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy brought him global recognition.
At 61, McKellen transformed into Gandalf, the wise and powerful wizard, a character that became iconic under his portrayal. Director Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth brought the story to life, with McKellen’s performance as Gandalf the Grey, and later Gandalf the White, captivating audiences around the world. His nuanced portrayal balanced wisdom, strength, and compassion, earning him a place among cinema’s most beloved characters.
Simultaneously, his depiction of Magneto in the X-Men series showcased his versatility. As a villain shaped by trauma and loss, McKellen brought depth and humanity to the character, making Magneto one of the franchise’s most memorable figures. His ability to embody both hero and villain with equal charisma cemented his legacy as one of the greatest actors of all time.
As of 2024, at the age of 85, McKellen shows no signs of slowing down. In 2023, he starred in The Critic, a historical thriller directed by Anand Tucker, to critical acclaim. In 2024, he returned to the stage to play John Falstaff in Player Kings at London’s Noël Coward Theatre, earning rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Ian McKellen’s journey from a boy enchanted by theatre in Manchester to a global acting legend is a testament to his talent, determination, and love for the craft. His six-decade career continues to inspire generations, making him an enduring icon of British culture and artistry.