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English actor Ian McKellen was born May 25, 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire just before the outbreak of Word War II. Ian became fascinated with theater at the age of three when he saw his first performance of Peter Pan with his parents. From then on, theater was all Ian could dream about, and he would go on to become a legend on the English stage!
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After making his professional debut in 1961 at the Belgrade Theatre, it wouldn't take long for Ian McKellen to earn a spot in London's famed West End. Some of Ian's most notable West End performances include productions of A Scent of Flowers, King Lear, and Waiting for Godot.
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In addition to becoming a success on stage, Ian also decided to pursue a career in film. Making his film debut in 1969's A Touch of Love, Ian's success would only go uphill from there!
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Ian's first leading role would be as "D.H. Lawrence" in 1980's biographical film Priest of Love. While the film was seen as a huge success in Britain, Ian McKellen would not begin to see international fame until his role in 1993's American comedy Six Degrees of Separation, starring alongside Will Smith and Stockard Channing.
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Perhaps one of the most defining moments of Ian McKellen's career came in 1995 when he was cast to play "King Richard III" in the film adaptation of Shakespeare's Richard III. With McKellen helping to co-produce and co-write the film adaptation, the film was a huge success and nominated for numerous awards!
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Drawing on his own experiences of growing up during the war, Ian McKellen delivered an outstanding performance in 1998's period drama Gods and Monsters, and the film was a critical success!
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Proving himself to be a truly versatile actor, Ian McKellen took on the role of "Magneto" in superhero series X-Men. Going on to star in three of the film's four sequels, the X-Men would not be the same without Ian!
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As if one successful film series wasn't enough, Ian McKellen would also take on the part of "Gandalf" in The Lord of the Rings trilogy at the same time he was filming the first X-Men film! "Gandalf" became one of the film series most treasured characters, and McKellen would continue to play the role in The Hobbit trilogy.
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Ian McKellen continued to see success in the 2000's, including roles in 2006's The Da Vinci Code, hit BBC television series Extras, and 2009's remake of 1967 cult series The Prisoner.
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One of Ian McKellen's best television performances was in 2013 British series Vicious. Starring alongside Derek Jacobi, the show follows the relationship of an elderly couple that have been together for 50 years! Ian, having himself came out in 1988, has since become an important champion for LGBTQ rights.
With six Laurence Olivier Awards, a Tony, and a Golden Globe under his belt, English actor Ian McKellen has earned his place among the greatest British cultural icons ever. In honor of his May birthday, we are taking a look back at some of his best roles throughout the years!
Enjoy!