# Ian McKellen

> British actor (born 1939)

**Wikidata**: [Q170510](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q170510)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_McKellen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ian-mckellen

## Summary
Ian McKellen is a British actor born in 1939, best known for his iconic roles in *The Lord of the Rings* and *X-Men*. He has achieved global recognition for his powerful stage and screen performances, earning numerous awards and accolades.

## Biography
- Born: May 25, 1939
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge
- Known for: Iconic roles in *The Lord of the Rings*, *X-Men*, and *Beauty and the Beast*
- Employer(s): St Catharine's College, Stonewall
- Field(s): Acting, voice acting, stage performance

## Contributions
- **Voice Acting**: Provided voice-over work for films, animation, and video games, including *The Hobbit trilogy* and *Avengers: Doomsday*.
- **Stage Performances**: Delivered acclaimed performances in plays such as *Shakespearean comedy* and earned the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
- **Film Roles**: Played prominent roles in *The Lord of the Rings*, *X-Men*, and *Beauty and the Beast*, contributing to his global fame.
- **Advocacy**: Worked with Stonewall, a UK-based charity for LGBT rights, reflecting his commitment to social causes.

## FAQs
**What are Ian McKellen's most famous roles?**
Ian McKellen is best known for his roles as Gandalf in *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit trilogy*, as well as Professor Charles Xavier in *X-Men*. He has also starred in *Beauty and the Beast* and *Avengers: Doomsday*.

**Where did Ian McKellen study?**
He attended St Catharine's College at the University of Cambridge.

**Has Ian McKellen won any major awards?**
Yes, he has received numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, the European Film Award for Best Actor, and the Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

**What is Ian McKellen's involvement with Stonewall?**
He has been affiliated with Stonewall, a UK-based charity advocating for LGBT rights, demonstrating his commitment to social causes.

**What other notable works has Ian McKellen been involved in?**
He has provided voice acting for video games and animation, including *The Hobbit trilogy* and *Avengers: Doomsday*, and has worked in theater, earning critical acclaim.

## Why They Matter
Ian McKellen's contributions to acting have left a lasting impact on cinema and theater. His portrayal of Gandalf in *The Lord of the Rings* and Professor X in *X-Men* has become iconic, influencing generations of actors and fans. His advocacy work with Stonewall highlights his dedication to social justice. His global recognition and awards demonstrate his influence on the entertainment industry and beyond.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Film Roles**: Gandalf in *The Lord of the Rings* and Professor Charles Xavier in *X-Men*.
- **Voice Acting**: Notable work in *The Hobbit trilogy* and *Avengers: Doomsday*.
- **Stage Performances**: Earned the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
- **Advocacy**: Affiliated with Stonewall, a UK-based LGBT rights charity.
- **Awards**: Commander of the Order of the British Empire, European Film Award for Best Actor, and multiple Critics' Choice Movie Awards.
- **Legacy**: Influenced actors and fans worldwide with his powerful performances.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ian McKellen was born on May 25, 1939, in the United Kingdom. He attended St Catharine's College at the University of Cambridge, where he studied literature and theater.

### Career Beginnings
McKellen began his acting career in the 1960s, performing in stage productions and early television roles. His early work laid the foundation for his later success in film and theater.

### Breakthrough Roles
His breakthrough came with the role of Gandalf in *The Lord of the Rings* film series, which became one of the most successful and influential film trilogies of all time. He also portrayed Professor Charles Xavier in *X-Men*, a role that further cemented his status as a leading actor.

### Voice Acting and Animation
McKellen has provided voice-over work for various animated films and video games, including *The Hobbit trilogy* and *Avengers: Doomsday*. His voice acting has been widely praised for its depth and character development.

### Stage Performances
He has delivered acclaimed performances in plays such as *Shakespearean comedy* and earned the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. His stage work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor.

### Advocacy Work
McKellen has been affiliated with Stonewall, a UK-based charity advocating for LGBT rights. His involvement reflects his commitment to social causes and equality.

### Awards and Recognition
He has received numerous awards, including the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, the European Film Award for Best Actor, and the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actor. His contributions to acting have earned him global recognition and respect.

### Legacy
Ian McKellen's iconic roles and powerful performances have left a lasting impact on cinema and theater. His influence extends beyond acting, as he has also been recognized for his advocacy work. His legacy continues to inspire actors and fans worldwide.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/gay_rights/12012.shtml)
4. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/1996.94.0.html)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. MusicBrainz
9. SNAC
10. Internet Broadway Database
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. filmportal.de
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Munzinger Personen
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Source](http://awards.bafta.org/award/2016/television)
17. BBC Things
18. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
19. The Movie Database
20. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/McKellen-Ian-Murrary;3939097.html)
21. [Ian McKellen - Trakt](https://trakt.tv/people/ian-mckellen?sort=released,asc)
22. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
23. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/sir-ian-mckellen-107ZzsB6hC/appearances)
24. performing-arts.ch
25. [Ian McKellen MBTI Personality Type: ENFP](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/23771/ian-mckellen-actors-and-actresses-uk-ireland-mbti-personality-type)