Career Timeline of Ian McKellen: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ian McKellen made an impact.
Sir Ian McKellen is a highly acclaimed English actor renowned for his versatility across stage and screen. A British cultural icon knighted in 1991, McKellen's career spans Shakespearean dramas, modern theatre, and popular fantasy and science fiction roles. His impressive collection of awards includes a Tony Award, six Laurence Olivier Awards, an Actor Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He has also earned multiple nominations for prestigious awards such as the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Emmy Awards.
March 1959: Performed in Henry IV
In March 1959, while at Cambridge, Ian McKellen performed in Henry IV alongside Trevor Nunn and Derek Jacobi.
1961: First Professional Appearance
In 1961, Ian McKellen made his first professional appearance as Roper in 'A Man for All Seasons' at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
1961: Stage Debut
In 1961, Ian McKellen made his stage debut at the Belgrade Theatre as a member of its repertory company, marking the beginning of his professional acting career.
1965: First West End Appearance
In 1965, Ian McKellen made his first West End appearance in 'A Scent of Flowers', which was considered a "notable success". He also joined Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company at the Old Vic.
1966: Role in David Copperfield Adaptation
In 1966, Ian McKellen played the title character in the BBC's adaptation of 'David Copperfield', which had 12 million viewers.
1969: Role in A Touch of Love
In 1969, Ian McKellen appeared in 'A Touch of Love' as George Matthews.
1969: Breakthrough Performances
In 1969, Ian McKellen had breakthrough performances with the Prospect Theatre Company, playing Richard II and Edward II at the Edinburgh Festival.
1969: Joined Prospect Theatre Company
In 1969, Ian McKellen joined the Prospect Theatre Company, where he played lead roles in Shakespeare's 'Richard II' and Marlowe's 'Edward II'.
1969: Film Roles in The Promise, Alfred the Great, and A Touch of Love
In 1969, Ian McKellen starred in the films 'The Promise', 'Alfred the Great', and 'A Touch of Love'.
1973: Touring the UK and Brooklyn Academy of Music
From 1973, Ian McKellen toured the United Kingdom and Brooklyn Academy of Music portraying Lady Wishfort's Footman, Kruschov, and Edgar in the William Congreve comedy 'The Way of the World', Anton Chekhov's comedic three-act play 'The Wood Demon' and William Shakespeare tragedy 'King Lear'.
1974: Touring the UK and Brooklyn Academy of Music
In 1974, Ian McKellen toured the United Kingdom and Brooklyn Academy of Music portraying Lady Wishfort's Footman, Kruschov, and Edgar in the William Congreve comedy 'The Way of the World', Anton Chekhov's comedic three-act play 'The Wood Demon' and William Shakespeare tragedy 'King Lear'.
1976: Romeo & Juliet at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
From 1976, Ian McKellen portrayed Romeo in the Shakespeare romance 'Romeo & Juliet' at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
1976: Macbeth and Othello at Stratford
In 1976, Ian McKellen played the title role in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and Iago in 'Othello' at Stratford, both productions directed by Trevor Nunn.
1977: Romeo & Juliet at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
In 1977, Ian McKellen portrayed Romeo in the Shakespeare romance 'Romeo & Juliet' at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
1977: Olivier Award Win
In 1977, Ian McKellen won an Olivier Award for his performance in 'Pillars of the Community'.
1978: Tour in Twelfth Night and Three Sisters
From 1978, Ian McKellen toured in a double feature production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and Anton Chekov's Three Sisters portraying Sir Toby Belch and Andrei, respectively.
1978: Olivier Award Win
In 1978, Ian McKellen won an Olivier Award for his performance in 'The Alchemist'.
1979: Role as Antonio Salieri in Amadeus
In 1979, Ian McKellen played Antonio Salieri in Peter Shaffer's play Amadeus on Broadway, earning acclaim and the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
1980: First Leading Film Role
In 1980, Ian McKellen had his first leading role in the film 'Priest of Love', where he portrayed D. H. Lawrence.
1981: Portrayal of D. H. Lawrence in Priest of Love
In 1981, Ian McKellen portrayed writer and poet D. H. Lawrence in the Christopher Miles directed biographical film, 'Priest of Love'.
1981: Tony Award Win
In 1981, Ian McKellen won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in 'Amadeus'.
1983: Role in The Keep
In 1983, Ian McKellen starred in Michael Mann's horror film, 'The Keep'.
1984: Olivier Award Win
In 1984, Ian McKellen won an Olivier Award for his performance in 'Wild Honey'.
1985: Role in Plenty Film Adaptation
In 1985, Ian McKellen starred in 'Plenty', the film adaptation of the David Hare play of the same name, featuring a cast including Meryl Streep and Charles Dance.
1986: Return to Broadway in Wild Honey
In 1986, Ian McKellen returned to Broadway in the revival of Anton Chekhov's first play, 'Wild Honey'.
1988: Came Out as Gay
In 1988, Ian McKellen publicly came out as gay, marking a significant moment in his life and becoming a vocal advocate for LGBT rights.
1989: Iago in Othello and Starring in Scandal
In 1989, Ian McKellen played Iago in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of 'Othello' and starred as John Profumo in the British drama 'Scandal'.
1990: World Tour of Richard III Revival
From 1990, Ian McKellen acted in a world tour of a lauded revival of Richard III, playing the title character.
1990: Broadway performance in Dance of Death
In 1990, Ian McKellen appeared in Dance of Death on Broadway.
1991: Olivier Award Win
In 1991, Ian McKellen won an Olivier Award for his performance in 'Richard III'.
1992: Acted in Uncle Vanya
In 1992, Ian McKellen acted in Pam Gems's revival of Chekov's Uncle Vanya at the Royal National Theatre.
1992: World Tour of Richard III Revival
In 1992, Ian McKellen continued his world tour of a lauded revival of Richard III, playing the title character.
1993: Role in Six Degrees of Separation
In 1993, Ian McKellen appeared in the film 'Six Degrees of Separation'.
1993: Roles in Tales of the City and And the Band Played On
In 1993, Ian McKellen had minor roles in the TV miniseries Tales of the City and appeared in the HBO film And the Band Played On, where he played gay rights activist Bill Kraus. For his performance in "And the Band Played On", McKellen received the CableACE Award and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Also from 1993 to 1997 McKellen toured in a one-man show entitled, A Knights Out.
1993: Starred in Six Degrees of Separation, The Ballad of Little Jo, and Last Action Hero
In 1993, Ian McKellen starred in the film 'Six Degrees of Separation' and appeared in 'The Ballad of Little Jo' and 'Last Action Hero'.
1995: Portrayal of King Richard III
In 1995, Ian McKellen achieved fame for his role as King Richard III in the film 'Richard III'.
1995: Appearance in Cold Comfort Farm
In 1995, Ian McKellen appeared in the BBC television comedy film Cold Comfort Farm alongside Kate Beckinsale, Rufus Sewell, and Stephen Fry.
1995: Screenwriting debut with Richard III
In 1995, Ian McKellen made his screenwriting debut with Richard III, an adaptation of Shakespeare's play set in 1930s Britain. He starred as Richard, a fascist plotting to usurp the throne, and his performance garnered BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. He also appeared in Restoration and Jack and Sarah.
1996: Starring as Tsar Nicholas II in Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny
In 1996, Ian McKellen starred as Tsar Nicholas II in the HBO movie Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny, winning a Golden Globe Award for his performance.
1997: Starring in a revival of An Enemy of the People
From 1997 to 1998, Ian McKellen starred as Dr. Tomas Stockmann in a revival of Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People. McKellen also toured from 1993-1997 in a one-man show entitled, A Knights Out.
1998: Roles in Apt Pupil and Gods and Monsters
In 1998, Ian McKellen appeared in the psychological thriller Apt Pupil, playing a fugitive Nazi officer. That same year, he starred as James Whale in Gods and Monsters, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1998: Role in Gods and Monsters
In 1998, Ian McKellen gained recognition for his performance as James Whale in the film 'Gods and Monsters'.
1999: Appearing as Mr. Creakle in David Copperfield
In 1999, Ian McKellen appeared as Mr. Creakle in the BBC series David Copperfield, based on the novel by Charles Dickens.
1999: Academy Award Nomination
In 1999, Ian McKellen received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 'Gods and Monsters'.
1999: Cast as Magneto in X-Men
In 1999, Ian McKellen was cast as Magneto in the film X-Men, directed by Bryan Singer.
1999: Cast as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings
In 1999, while filming X-Men, Ian McKellen was cast as Gandalf in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
2000: Appearance in X-Men film
In 2000, Ian McKellen appeared in the movie X-Men as Magneto.
2000: First Appearance as Magneto
In 2000, Ian McKellen first appeared as Magneto in the X-Men films, a role that would contribute significantly to his worldwide fame.
2001: First Appearance as Gandalf
In 2001, Ian McKellen first appeared as Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, a role that would significantly boost his global recognition.
2001: Academy Award Nomination
In 2001, Ian McKellen received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'.
2001: Return to Broadway in The Dance of Death
In 2001, Ian McKellen returned to the Broadway stage in August Strindberg's play The Dance of Death, alongside Helen Mirren and David Strathairn at the Broadhurst Theatre.
2001: Release of The Fellowship of the Ring
In 2001, The Fellowship of the Ring, the first film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, was released, starring Ian McKellen as Gandalf. He later won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his work.
March 2002: Hosting Saturday Night Live
On March 16, 2002, Ian McKellen hosted Saturday Night Live.
2002: Solo performance at the Beverly Hills Canon Theatre
In 2002, Ian McKellen performed a personally written Shakespeare scene at the Beverly Hills Canon Theatre.
2003: Appearing in X2: X-Men United
In 2003, Ian McKellen appeared as Magneto in X2: X-Men United.
2003: Continued Role as Gandalf
In 2003, Ian McKellen continued his role as Gandalf in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, further cementing his portrayal of the iconic character.
2003: Guest appearance on The Simpsons
In 2003, Ian McKellen made a guest appearance as himself on The Simpsons in the episode "The Regina Monologues", alongside Tony Blair and J. K. Rowling.
2003: Release of The Two Towers
In 2003, The Two Towers, one of the installments of The Lord of the Rings, was released, with Ian McKellen playing the role of Gandalf.
May 2005: Role in Coronation Street
In May 2005, Ian McKellen played Mel Hutchwright in the British soap opera Coronation Street.
2006: Appearing in X-Men: The Last Stand
In 2006, Ian McKellen appeared as Magneto in X-Men: The Last Stand.
2006: Appearance in Extras
In 2006, Ian McKellen appeared in Ricky Gervais's comedy series Extras, playing himself directing Andy Millman in a play. He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for this performance.
2006: Voice Acting in Flushed Away
In 2006, Ian McKellen lent his voice to the animated film 'Flushed Away'.
2007: Narration of Stardust and voice role in The Golden Compass
In 2007, Ian McKellen narrated the film Stardust and voiced the armoured bear Iorek Byrnison in The Golden Compass.
2007: Return to the Royal Shakespeare Company
In 2007, Ian McKellen returned to the Royal Shakespeare Company in productions of King Lear and The Seagull.
2008: Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)
In 2008, Ian McKellen was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in the New Year Honours for services to drama and to equality.
2009: Portrayal of Number Two in The Prisoner and appearance in Waiting for Godot
In 2009, Ian McKellen portrayed Number Two in The Prisoner remake and appeared in a revival of Waiting for Godot at London's Haymarket Theatre.
2009: Directing in Waiting for Godot
In 2009, Sean Mathias directed Ian McKellen in Waiting for Godot at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
April 2010: Support for Age UK
In April 2010, Ian McKellen appeared in a series of TV advertisements to support Age UK, along with actors Brian Cox and Eleanor Bron.
2010: Performance in Waiting for Godot
In 2010, Ian McKellen performed in Waiting for Godot at the Isaac Theatre Royal.
February 2011: Christchurch earthquake
In February 2011, Christchurch earthquake. Ian McKellen umpired for a charity cricket match in March 2011 to support earthquake victims.
March 2011: Umpiring charity cricket match
In March 2011, Ian McKellen umpired for a charity cricket match in New Zealand to support earthquake victims of the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
2011: X-Men: First Class release
In 2011, X-Men: First Class was released, with Michael Fassbender playing a younger version of Magneto, a role shared with Ian McKellen in other X-Men films.
2011: Christchurch earthquake
In 2011, the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch suffered extensive damage during the Christchurch earthquake. In 2012, while filming The Hobbit in New Zealand, Ian McKellen announced a special New Zealand tour "Shakespeare, Tolkien and You!" to help save the Isaac Theatre Royal.
August 2012: Portrayal of Prospero at the London Paralympics opening ceremony
In August 2012, Ian McKellen portrayed Prospero from The Tempest at the opening ceremony of the London Paralympics.
2012: First Appearance as Gandalf in The Hobbit trilogy
In 2012, Ian McKellen reprised his role as Gandalf in 'The Hobbit' trilogy, extending his association with Middle-earth.
2012: Release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
In 2012, Ian McKellen reprised his role as Gandalf in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
2012: 2012 Summer Paralympics opening ceremony
In 2012, Ian McKellen took part in the 2012 Summer Paralympics opening ceremony in London as Prospero from Shakespeare's The Tempest.
2012: Shakespeare, Tolkien and You! New Zealand tour
In 2012, while filming The Hobbit in New Zealand, Ian McKellen announced a special New Zealand tour "Shakespeare, Tolkien and You!" to help save the Isaac Theatre Royal.
November 2013: Appearance in The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot
In November 2013, Ian McKellen appeared in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary comedy homage The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot.
2013: Starring in Waiting for Godot and No Man's Land on Broadway
From 2013 to 2014, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart starred in a double production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot and Harold Pinter's No Man's Land on Broadway.
2013: Returns to Broadway in No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot
In 2013, Ian McKellen returned to Broadway in 'No Man's Land', and 'Waiting for Godot' in a joint production with Patrick Stewart.
October 2014: Awarded Freedom of the City of London
In October 2014, Ian McKellen was awarded the Freedom of the City of London, recognizing his contributions to the arts and society.
2014: Starring in Waiting for Godot and No Man's Land on Broadway
From 2013 to 2014, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart starred in a double production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot and Harold Pinter's No Man's Land on Broadway.
2014: Roles in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and X-Men: Days of Future Past
In 2014, Ian McKellen reprised his role as Gandalf in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and as Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
2014: Reprising role of Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past
In 2014, Ian McKellen reprised his role as Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past, sharing the role with Michael Fassbender.
2014: Last Appearance as Magneto (Until 2026)
In 2014, Ian McKellen's last appearance as Magneto in the X-Men films until 2026.
October 2015: Appearance in The Dresser
In October 2015, Ian McKellen appeared as Norman to Anthony Hopkins's Sir in a BBC Two production of Ronald Harwood's The Dresser.
2016: Co-starring in the ITV sitcom Vicious
From 2013 to 2016, Ian McKellen co-starred in the ITV sitcom Vicious as Freddie Thornhill, alongside Derek Jacobi. The series revolves around an elderly gay couple who have been together for 50 years.
July 2017: One-man show at Park Theatre
In July 2017, Ian McKellen performed a new one-man show for a week at Park Theatre in London, donating the proceeds to the theatre.
October 2017: King Lear at the Chichester Festival Theatre
In October 2017, Ian McKellen played King Lear at the Chichester Festival Theatre, stating it was likely his "last big Shakespearean part".
2017: Portrayal of Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and appearance in McKellen: Playing the Part
In 2017, Ian McKellen played Cogsworth in the live-action adaptation of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which grossed $1.2 billion worldwide. Also in 2017, he appeared in the documentary McKellen: Playing the Part, which explores his life and acting career.
2017: Portrayal of Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast
In 2017, Ian McKellen portrayed Cogsworth in the film adaptation of 'Beauty and the Beast'.
2018: Family Guy and All is True
In 2018, Ian McKellen voiced Dr. Cecil Pritchfield in the Family Guy episode "Send in Stewie, Please" and portrayed Henry Wriothesley in the historical drama All is True.
2019: Role in The Good Liar
In 2019, Ian McKellen appeared in 'The Good Liar'.
2019: The Good Liar and Cats
In 2019, Ian McKellen appeared in The Good Liar and as Gus the Theatre Cat in the movie musical adaptation of Cats, which was widely panned.
2019: Ian McKellen on Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and YOU
In 2019, to celebrate his 80th birthday, Ian McKellen performed in a one-man stage show titled Ian McKellen on Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and YOU, which toured the UK and Ireland and had a West End run.
June 2020: Reunited Apart appearance
On June 1, 2020, Ian McKellen joined Josh Gad's YouTube series Reunited Apart with his Lord of the Rings co-stars to promote donations to non-profit charities.
2020: Olivier Award Win
In 2020, Ian McKellen won an Olivier Award for 'Ian McKellen on Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and YOU'.
2021: Hamlet and The Cherry Orchard
In 2021, Ian McKellen played the title role in Hamlet and the role of Firs in Chekov's The Cherry Orchard.
2023: Starring in The Critic
In 2023, Ian McKellen starred in the period thriller The Critic, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
April 2024: Starring in Player Kings and Stage Fall
In April 2024, Ian McKellen starred as John Falstaff in Player Kings. On June 17, he fell off the stage during a performance, leading to cancellations and his withdrawal from subsequent performances on medical advice.
2025: Cameo in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz-lington
In 2025, Ian McKellen makes a cameo appearance on video as the dog Toto in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz-lington pantomime at the Pleasance Theatre, Islington.
2026: Future role as Magneto in X-Men film
In 2026, Ian McKellen is scheduled to appear as Magneto in an X-Men film.
2026: Reprising role as Magneto in Avengers: Doomsday
In 2026, Ian McKellen is set to reprise his role as Magneto in Avengers: Doomsday.
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