Ian McKellen is an English actor, who is most notable for the portrayal in The Da Vinci Code and in the Lord of the Rings film Trilogy as well in the series film of X-Men. He was born on May 25, 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire, England, to Margery Lois and Denis Murray McKellen, who is a civil engineer and a lay preacher. His mother died when he was at the young age of twelve, while his father died when he was at the age of 24. In addition, McKellen was baptized with the real name of Ian Murray McKellen. He entered the Bolton School. On the other hand, his professional career began at the Bolton Little Theater. In addition, McKellen earned a scholarship to the St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge, when he was at the age of eighteen.
While McKellen was still at Cambridge, he became one of the members of the Marlowe Society, appearing in Henry IV as Shallow, together with Trevor Nunn. On the other hand, his first professional appearance was in year 1961 at the Nottingham Playhouse, where he portrayed the role of Roper in a production play called, A Man for All Seasons. He then debuted on West End production of A Scent of Flowers. In year 1965 McKellen also became one of the members of Laurence Oliver’s National Theater Company at the Old Vic, as a result her earned roles at the Chichester Festival. In late 70s and 80s, McKellen turned to be a renowned personality in British theater, performing regularly at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theater.
McKellen appeared in several films all through his career, starting in year 1969 with his portrayal of George in A Touch of Love. In year 1993, he portrayed a supporting role in the critically acclaimed film of Six Degrees of Separation, where he portrayed the role of Geoffrey Miller. The film also includes the stars of Stockard Channing and Donald Sutherland as well as Will Smith. Moreover, McKellen portrayed the role of Richard in the drama film of Richard III. on the other hand, McKellen’s break came when he was included in the casts of the 1998 film of Apt Pupil, where he portrayed the lead role of Kurt Dussander. He was then being nominated for the Academy Award for the Best Actor for his portrayal of James Whale in the 1998 film called, Gods and Monsters.
On March 2002, McKellen hosted the Saturday Night Live. On the following year, he appeared as a guest star on the cartoon show of The Simpsons, in an episode called, The Regina Monologues. In year 2005, he portrayed the role f Mel Hutchwright in Granada Television’s soap opera, Coronation Street. In year 2009, McKellen appeared in the miniseries of The Prisoner. On the other hand, McKellen is set to star on the upcoming epic fantasy film of The Hobbit, which also includes the stars of Martin Freeman and Richard Armitage.
Ian McKellen Photo Gallery
