Ian McKellen: Quick Facts
News •
Ian McKellen calls lifelong friend Patrick Stewart the 'most respected and beloved actor,' in moving tribute
• Oct. 30, 2026, 1:47 PM ET (CBC)
Ian McKellen Pays Tribute to Close Friend Patrick Stewart: ‘He Wore His Heart on His Sleeve’
• Oct. 29, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (Variety)
Facts
| Also Known As | Sir Ian Murray McKellen • Ian Murray McKellen |
|---|---|
| Born | May 25, 1939 (age 87) • Burnley • England |
| Founder | Actors’ Company |
| Awards And Honors | Tony Awards (1981) • Golden Globe Award (1997): Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Limited Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television • Tony Award (1981): Best Actor in a Play |
| Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In) | "Gods and Monsters" (1998) • "Animal Crackers" (2017) • "Jack & Sarah" (1995) • "Bent" (1997) • "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001) • "Theatre Night" (1990) • "The Wednesday Play" (1965) • "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (2002) • "BBC Play of the Month" (1968–1973) • "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" (2012) • "Jackanory" (1978) • "Country Matters" (1972) • "Live from the Lilydrome" (1995) • "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003) • "The Simpsons" (2003) • "David Copperfield" (1966) • "BBC2 Playhouse" (1979) • "Artsnight" (2015) • "ITV Saturday Night Theatre" (1972) • "Arena" (2004) • "Asylum" (2005) • "Play for Today" (1980) • "Neverwas" (2005) • "Alfred the Great" (1969) • "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014) • "Family Guy" (2018) • "Apt Pupil" (1998) • "Plenty" (1985) • "I'll Do Anything" (1994) • "Extras" (2006) • "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" (2013) • "The Ballad of Little Jo" (1993) • "Windmills of the Gods" (1988) • "X-Men" (2000) • "The Golden Compass" (2007) • "X2" (2003) • "A Touch of Love" (1969) • "Swept from the Sea" (1997) • "The Prisoner" (2009) • "The Keep" (1983) • "Armchair Thriller" (1980) • "Priest of Love" (1981) • "Zina" (1985) • "National Theatre Live: King Lear" (2018) • "Displaced" (2006) • "The Good Liar" (2019) • "Coronation Street" (2005) • "Emile" (2003) • "Doctor Who" (2012) • "Beauty and the Beast" (2017) • "Six Degrees of Separation" (1993) • "The Shadow" (1994) • "Last Action Hero" (1993) • "Cats" (2019) • "The Indian Tales of Rudyard Kipling" (1964) • "The Promise" (1969) • "Solo" (1970) • "Mr. Holmes" (2015) • "All Is True" (2018) • "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006) • "Churchill" (2003–2004) • "The Magic Roundabout" (2005) • "Miss in Her Teens" (2014) • "Doogal" (2006) • "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" (2014) • "Great Performances" (2008) • "Flushed Away" (2006) • "Late Night Drama" (1974) • "Restoration" (1995) • "Richard III" (1995) • "Scandal" (1989) • "Tales of the City" (1993) • "The Da Vinci Code" (2006) • "Eighteen" (2005) • "To Die For" (1994) • "David Copperfield" (1999) • "Stardust" (2007) • "Vicious" (2013–2016) |
| Movies/Tv Shows (Writing/Creator) | "Richard III" (1995) |
Top Questions
Where was Ian McKellen born?
Ian McKellen was born in Burnley, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom.
When was Ian McKellen born?
Ian McKellen was born on May 25, 1939.
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