Before acting, I wanted to become a journalist. I also toyed with the idea of being a chef - but that's only… — 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
There are directors, and I think this is true of all directors, it would be true if I was a director -… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I think I'm a bit gruffer than I used to be, and I'm certainly older. — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
Before I ever acted as an amateur - which I did a great deal at school and at university - I used… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
I used to comfort myself when I became an actor that it was a useful job, entertaining people. And it was important… — Ian Mckellen Copy Share Image
The wonderful thing about modern medicine is that so many of these complaints that used to signify old age and decline can… — 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
