Ian McKellen

Biography:

Ian McKellen is an eminent English actor whose talents are recognized worldwide in theatre, film, and television acting. Ian McKellen was born on 25 May 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire, England. McKellen has gained much reputation as an actor of classical theatre and especially as a performer of Shakespeare plays. Starting his professional acting career in the 1960s, McKellen has become one of the most prominent figures of the British stage with roles in plays as Richard III, King Lear, Macbeth, among others. Moving to international cinema has brought Ian McKellen fame and success with films like Richard III (1995), Gods and Monsters (1998), Apt Pupil (1998), and The Da Vinci Code (2006).

Ian McKellen has become popular all over the world for his roles as Magneto in the X-Men film series and as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. For his part as Gandalf in The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), Ian McKellen has been nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor. Also, he has received numerous BAFTA, Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Awards nominations. For his role as Salieri in Amadeus on Broadway, he has won a Tony Award. In 1991, he has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to drama.