We're very lucky, men, that there are these fabulous parts. Women - once you've done all the parts in Shakespeare, they start… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I used to think 'King Lear' was an analysis of insanity, but I don't really think it is. When Lear is supposed… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I don't make any distinction between a popular TV series or blockbuster film and doing Shakespeare. They're different, but as long as… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
Shakespeare's villains are fabulous because none of them know that they are villains. Well, sometimes they do. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I think with Shakespeare you can be required to do absolutely anything at the turn of a sixpence - suddenly you go… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I owe a great deal to Harold Hobson, doyen drama critic of the 'U.K. Sunday Times,' who championed me as Shakespeare's Richard… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I've always longed for the theatre and acting to be popular. No actor wants to play to an empty house. We only do it… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
I'm fortunate to be famous for two rather imposing characters like Magneto and Gandalf. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
If you are playing King Lear you are the centre of attention anyway. You don't need to draw attention to yourself. It's all laid… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
Godot is whatever it is in life that you are waiting for: 'I'm waiting to win the lottery. I'm waiting to fall in love'.… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
I'm only an actor. I'm not a writer. I'm not going to leave any legacy. All I've ever done is learn the lines and… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
I'd never read 'Lord of the Rings' until I was asked to play Gandalf, so I didn't really know it was a frightfully famous… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
The strength of British theatre should be that these actors in their middle years know what they're doing and are good at it. Not… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
Until I came out, my acting was all about disguise, and thereafter it became about telling the truth. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
Elijah looks angelic but his beauty of spirit is what makes his Frodo leap out of the screen. Unalloyed goodness is one of the… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
When I appeared in 'Coronation Street,' I lived in Manchester and enjoyed it very much. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
Before acting, I wanted to become a journalist. I also toyed with the idea of being a chef - but that's only when people… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share
