You always think that 70 is the end of the road: 'Somebody died when they were 73; good life'. You're closer to… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I have little routines in the theater. Once I've established something, like the order of putting on makeup and a costume, I… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
We are very lucky to be men because women have a terrible time getting older parts. It's much more difficult. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
If I was on a march at the moment I would be saying to everyone: Be honest with each other. Admit there… — 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
Every time you work is a challenge. There's a constant worry about it, and it's a side of acting I don't like. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
To be allowed for the first time in your later career to play leading parts in extremely popular movies is not a… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
Most of the time when you do a job, a play or a film, you're wondering, "Will there be an audience?" — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
Quite low down in the list is "How much am I going to be paid?"... my main feeling about money is that… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I am very lucky to be man because women have a terrible time getting older parts. It's much more difficult. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
'Lord of the Rings' was about saving the world, big time, big duties. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I'm cheaper than Anthony Hopkins. The other actors they asked to play Gandalf wouldn't go to New Zealand on that money for… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
In the past, kids didn't tell their parents they were gay, so there were never the bust-ups. Some parents react so strongly… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I'm not someone who wears shades all the time and ducks into a darkened car in case I'm recognized - that would… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
There are still times in my life where I pull back from being totally honest, and I can't imagine a single straight… — 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 Image
It's my impression that I've done every job that I've been asked to do. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I'm fortunate to be famous for two rather imposing characters like Magneto and Gandalf. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
You might be surprised by how interested young people are in older people. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
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 Image
Until I came out, my acting was all about disguise, and thereafter it became about telling the truth. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
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 Image