Sir Ian McKellen is a highly celebrated English actor with a career spanning over six decades. He is renowned for his diverse roles in theater, film, and television, from Shakespearean classics to modern fantasy and science fiction. Knighted in 1991, he is considered a British cultural icon. His exceptional talent has earned him numerous awards, including a Tony Award, six Olivier Awards, and a Golden Globe Award, along with nominations for two Academy Awards, five BAFTA Awards, and five Emmy Awards.
May 1939: Birth of Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen was born in May 1939.
May 1939: Birth of Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen was born in May 1939.
September 1939: Outbreak of World War II
Shortly before the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, McKellen's family moved to Wigan.
1951: Family Relocates to Bolton
In 1951, when Ian McKellen was twelve years old, his family relocated to Bolton.
1958: Attends Cambridge University
Ian McKellen began studying English Literature at St Catharine's College, Cambridge, in 1958.
March 1959: Performs in "Henry IV" at Cambridge
In March 1959, Ian McKellen performed as Justice Shallow in "Henry IV" alongside Trevor Nunn and Derek Jacobi at Cambridge.
1961: First Professional Appearance
Ian McKellen made his first professional appearance in 1961 at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
1961: Stage Debut
Ian McKellen made his stage debut in 1961 at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.
1964: Relationship with Brian Taylor Begins
In 1964, Ian McKellen began an eight-year relationship with Brian Taylor, a history teacher from Bolton.
1965: Joins National Theatre Company
In 1965, Ian McKellen became a member of Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company.
1965: West End Debut
In 1965, Ian McKellen made his first West End appearance.
1966: Stars in "David Copperfield"
Ian McKellen starred as the title character in the BBC's adaptation of "David Copperfield" in 1966.
1967: Original "The Prisoner" Series
The original "The Prisoner" series, which was later remade in 2009 with Ian McKellen, aired in 1967.
1969: "A Touch of Love" Release
Ian McKellen appeared in the film "A Touch of Love", which was released in 1969.
1969: Joins Prospect Theatre Company
Ian McKellen joined the Prospect Theatre Company in 1969, playing lead roles in Richard II and Edward II.
1969: Film Debut
Ian McKellen made his film debut in 1969, appearing in three films: "The Promise", "Alfred the Great", and "A Touch of Love".
1969: Breakthrough Performances at Edinburgh Festival
Ian McKellen's performances in "Richard II" and "Edward II" at the 1969 Edinburgh Festival were considered his breakthrough roles.
1971: Early Performance as Hamlet
Ian McKellen first took on the role of Hamlet in 1971, showcasing his acting prowess early in his career.
1972: End of Relationship with Brian Taylor
Ian McKellen's eight-year relationship with Brian Taylor ended in 1972.
1973: Theatre Tour
From 1973 to 1974, Ian McKellen toured the United Kingdom and Brooklyn Academy of Music, performing in various plays.
1974: Theatre Tour
From 1973 to 1974, Ian McKellen toured the United Kingdom and Brooklyn Academy of Music, performing in various plays.
1976: Plays Romeo in "Romeo & Juliet"
Ian McKellen played the role of Romeo in "Romeo & Juliet" at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 1976 to 1977.
1976: Macbeth and Othello at Stratford
In 1976, McKellen took on the lead role in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" at Stratford, captivating audiences in a production that was lauded as both "gripping" and exceptional. He shared the stage with Judi Dench, further elevating the performance. That same year, he also played Iago in "Othello," another Stratford production. Both productions were directed by Trevor Nunn and were later adapted for television.
1977: Plays Romeo in "Romeo & Juliet"
Ian McKellen played the role of Romeo in "Romeo & Juliet" at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 1976 to 1977.
1977: Olivier Award Win for "Pillars of the Community"
Ian McKellen won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in "Pillars of the Community" in 1977.
1977: First Olivier Award
Ian McKellen won his first Olivier Award in 1977 for his role in "Pillars of the Community".
1978: Second Olivier Award
In 1978, Ian McKellen received his second Olivier Award for his performance in "The Alchemist".
1978: Twelfth Night and Three Sisters Tour
McKellen embarked on a theatrical tour from 1978 to 1979, showcasing his versatility in a double-bill production. He portrayed the comedic character Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and transitioned to the role of Andrei in Chekhov's "Three Sisters," demonstrating his range as an actor.
1978: Olivier Award Win for "The Alchemist"
In 1978, Ian McKellen received an Olivier Award for his performance in "The Alchemist."
1978: Meeting Sean Mathias
Ian McKellen met his second partner, Sean Mathias, at the Edinburgh Festival in 1978.
1979: Third Olivier Award
Ian McKellen earned his third Olivier Award in 1979 for his role in "Bent".
1979: Olivier Award Win for "Bent"
Ian McKellen won an Olivier Award for his performance in "Bent" in 1979.
1979: Acclaim for Amadeus on Broadway
McKellen's portrayal of Antonio Salieri in the 1979 Broadway transfer of "Amadeus" earned him significant praise. The play, originally a National Theatre production starring Paul Scofield, found renewed success on Broadway with McKellen, Tim Curry as Mozart, and Jane Seymour. Critics, including Frank Rich of The New York Times, hailed his performance as riveting, particularly noting his chilling depiction of Salieri's descent into madness. This performance garnered McKellen a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
1980: Tony Award for Best Actor
Ian McKellen won the Tony Award for Best Actor in 1980 for his role as Antonio Salieri in "Amadeus".
1980: First Leading Film Role
In 1980, Ian McKellen had his first leading film role as D.H. Lawrence in "Priest of Love".
1981: Tony Award Win for "Amadeus"
Ian McKellen won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in "Amadeus" in 1981.
1981: Portrayal of D.H. Lawrence in Priest of Love
In 1981, McKellen took on the role of the celebrated writer and poet D.H. Lawrence in "Priest of Love," a biographical film helmed by director Christopher Miles.
1983: Appearance in The Keep
In 1983, McKellen appeared in Michael Mann's horror film, "The Keep."
1984: Olivier Award Win for "Wild Honey"
Ian McKellen was awarded an Olivier Award for his performance in "Wild Honey" in 1984.
1984: Fourth Olivier Award
In 1984, Ian McKellen won his fourth Olivier Award for his performance in "Wild Honey".
1985: Starring Role in Plenty
McKellen starred in the 1985 film adaptation of David Hare's play "Plenty." Directed by Fred Schepisi, the film boasts a star-studded cast, including Meryl Streep, Charles Dance, John Gielgud, and Sting. Spanning two decades, from the 1940s to the 1960s, the film centers on the life of an Englishwoman involved with the French Resistance during World War II and the repercussions of a fateful encounter with a British secret agent. Despite mixed reviews, the film's exceptional ensemble cast, including McKellen, garnered praise, with critics like Roger Ebert highlighting their brilliant individual performances.
1985: "Plenty" Release
The film "Plenty", featuring Ian McKellen, was released in 1985.
1986: Returns to Broadway
Ian McKellen returned to Broadway in 1986 for a production of "Wild Honey".
1986: Return to Broadway in Wild Honey Revival
In 1986, McKellen returned to the Broadway stage in a revival of Anton Chekhov's "Wild Honey." Sharing the stage with Kim Cattrall and Kate Burton, he played a Russian schoolteacher grappling with fidelity amidst the attention of multiple women. While his performance received mixed reviews, with some critics praising his technical prowess and others finding it lacking in comedic timing, McKellen's presence added a certain weight to the production.
1988: Public Coming Out
Ian McKellen publicly came out as gay during a BBC Radio program in 1988, in response to the controversial Section 28 being considered by British Parliament, which aimed to prohibit local authorities from promoting homosexuality.
1988: Comes Out as Gay
Ian McKellen publicly came out as gay in 1988.
1988: End of Relationship with Sean Mathias
Ian McKellen's relationship with Sean Mathias ended in 1988.
1989: Notable Roles in Othello and Scandal
In 1989, McKellen took on the role of the villainous Iago once more, this time in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of "Othello." That same year, he transitioned to the screen, portraying John Profumo in the British drama "Scandal." This film, featuring Joanne Whalley and John Hurt, provided a fictionalized account of the real-life Profumo affair that had rocked British politics in the 1960s. "Scandal" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or.
1990: Acclaimed Richard III World Tour
From 1990 to 1992, McKellen captivated audiences globally with his performance as the titular character in a critically acclaimed revival of Shakespeare's "Richard III." The production, known for its unique setting inspired by 1930s Britain, showcased McKellen's ability to seamlessly blend classical text with a modern interpretation. His portrayal of Richard III as a cunning and manipulative figure in this unconventional setting earned him widespread recognition, culminating in a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor.
1990: "Dance of Death" on Broadway
In 1990, Ian McKellen appeared in "Dance of Death" on Broadway.
1991: Knighted for Services to the Performing Arts
Ian McKellen was knighted in 1991 for his contributions to the performing arts.
1991: Olivier Award Win for "Richard III"
In 1991, Ian McKellen received an Olivier Award for his performance in "Richard III."
1991: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
In 1991, Ian McKellen was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the performing arts.
1991: Release of the Animated "Beauty and the Beast"
The animated version of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" premiered in 1991, featuring the character of Cogsworth, which McKellen would later portray in the live-action adaptation.
1992: Performance in Uncle Vanya at the Royal National Theatre
In 1992, McKellen joined a distinguished cast, including Antony Sher and Janet McTeer, in Pam Gems' revival of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" at the Royal National Theatre. This production further solidified his reputation as a versatile and respected stage actor.
1993: Film Appearances in Six Degrees of Separation, The Ballad of Little Jo, and Last Action Hero
In 1993, McKellen showcased his versatility, appearing in a diverse range of films. He starred alongside Will Smith, Donald Sutherland, and Stockard Channing in the critically acclaimed film adaptation of John Guare's play "Six Degrees of Separation." He also demonstrated his range by appearing in the Western "The Ballad of Little Jo" with Bob Hoskins and the action-comedy "Last Action Hero," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
1993: Television and Stage Appearances
In 1993, Ian McKellen appeared in the miniseries "Tales of the City" and the HBO film "And the Band Played On," for which he received critical acclaim. He also began touring his one-man show, "A Knights Out," about his experience coming out as gay.
1993: "Six Degrees of Separation" Release
Ian McKellen appeared in the film "Six Degrees of Separation", released in 1993.
1994: Appearance at the Gay Games Closing Ceremony
At the 1994 Gay Games closing ceremony, Ian McKellen addressed the crowd, referring to himself by the nickname "Serena," given to him by Stephen Fry.
1995: Fifth Olivier Award
Ian McKellen received his fifth Olivier Award in 1995 for his role in "Richard III".
1995: "Richard III" Film Release
Ian McKellen starred in the film adaptation of "Richard III", which was released in 1995.
1995: Role in "Cold Comfort Farm"
In 1995, Ian McKellen appeared in the BBC comedy film "Cold Comfort Farm."
1995: Screenwriting Debut and Lead Role in Richard III
In 1995, McKellen took on multiple roles, serving as both screenwriter and lead actor in the film adaptation of Shakespeare's "Richard III." Directed by Richard Loncraine, the film reimagined the play in 1930s Britain, with Richard as a fascist leader aiming to seize the throne. McKellen's performance, alongside a stellar cast featuring Annette Bening, Robert Downey Jr., Jim Broadbent, Kristen Scott Thomas, Nigel Hawthorne, and Dame Maggie Smith, was widely praised. He demonstrated his dedication to the project by returning his £50,000 fee to ensure the completion of the film's climactic battle scene. Critics lauded McKellen's performance, with particular praise for his portrayal of Richard as a complex and malevolent figure. His work on the film earned him BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor, and he won the European Film Award for Best Actor. Additionally, his screenplay received a BAFTA nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
1996: Award-Winning Performance in "Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny"
Ian McKellen won a Golden Globe Award and received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Tsar Nicholas II in the television movie "Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny" in 1996.
1997: Stage Performances
Between 1997 and 1998, Ian McKellen starred in revivals of Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People" and Noël Coward's "Present Laughter."
1998: "Gods and Monsters" Release
The film "Gods and Monsters", in which Ian McKellen played James Whale, was released in 1998.
1998: Film Roles and Award Nomination
Ian McKellen appeared in the thriller "Apt Pupil" and received an Academy Award nomination for his role as James Whale in "Gods and Monsters" in 1998.
1999: Academy Award Nomination for "Gods and Monsters"
Ian McKellen received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the film "Gods and Monsters" in 1999.
1999: Casting as Magneto
Ian McKellen was cast as Magneto in the "X-Men" film franchise in 1999.
1999: Appearance in "David Copperfield"
In 1999, Ian McKellen played Mr. Creakle in the BBC miniseries "David Copperfield."
1999: Casting as Gandalf
While filming "X-Men" in 1999, Ian McKellen was cast as Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy.
2000: Release of "X-Men"
"X-Men," featuring Ian McKellen as Magneto, was released in 2000.
2000: Section 28 Repealed in Scotland
Section 28 was repealed in Scotland in 2000.
2001: Release of "The Fellowship of the Ring"
The first installment of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Fellowship of the Ring," was released in 2001, featuring Ian McKellen as Gandalf.
2001: Academy Award Nomination for "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
In 2001, Ian McKellen was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring."
2001: Broadway Return in "The Dance of Death"
Ian McKellen returned to Broadway in 2001 for a well-received run in August Strindberg's "The Dance of Death."
2001: "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" Release
Ian McKellen starred as Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", released in 2001.
2001: Awarded Artist Citizen of the World
Ian McKellen received the Artist Citizen of the World Award in France in 2001.
March 2002: Hosting "Saturday Night Live"
On March 16, 2002, Ian McKellen hosted "Saturday Night Live."
2002: Grand Marshal of San Francisco Pride Parade
In 2002, Ian McKellen was the Celebrity Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Pride Parade and attended the Academy Awards with his then-boyfriend, Nick Cuthell.
2003: Release of "X2: X-Men United"
Ian McKellen reprised his role as Magneto in "X2: X-Men United," released in 2003.
2003: Guest Appearance on "The Simpsons"
In 2003, Ian McKellen made a guest appearance as himself in a British-themed episode of "The Simpsons."
2003: Anecdote about Michael Howard
In 2003, Ian McKellen shared an anecdote on "Have I Got News For You" about an encounter with Michael Howard, then Environment Secretary.
2003: Section 28 Repealed in England and Wales
Section 28 was repealed in England and Wales in 2003.
2003: "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" Release
The final film in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Return of the King", featuring Ian McKellen as Gandalf, was released in 2003.
2003: Release of "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King"
The final two films in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King," were released in 2003, with Ian McKellen portraying Gandalf.
2004: Pride International Film Festival's Lifetime Achievement & Distinction Award
In 2004, Ian McKellen received the Lifetime Achievement & Distinction Award from the Pride International Film Festival.
May 2005: Role in "Coronation Street"
Fulfilling a lifelong ambition, Ian McKellen appeared in the British soap opera "Coronation Street" in April and May 2005.
2005: Publication of "A Slight Trick of the Mind"
The novel "A Slight Trick of the Mind," which would later serve as the basis for the film "Mr. Holmes," was published in 2005.
May 2006: Comments on "The Da Vinci Code"
During a "Today Show" interview on May 17, 2006, Ian McKellen, promoting "The Da Vinci Code," suggested the Bible should have a fiction disclaimer, sparking controversy.
2006: Release of "X-Men: The Last Stand"
2006 saw the release of "X-Men: The Last Stand," the third film in the franchise, with Ian McKellen as Magneto.
2006: Appearance in "Extras"
Ian McKellen appeared as himself in Ricky Gervais's comedy series "Extras" in 2006, earning an Emmy nomination.
2006: Support for LGBT History Month
Ian McKellen spoke at the pre-launch event for the 2007 LGBT History Month in the UK, expressing his support for the organization and its founder, Sue Sanders.
2006: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Ian McKellen was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006.
2006: Olivier Awards's Society Special Award
Ian McKellen was given the Society Special Award at the Olivier Awards in 2006.
2007: Voice Role in "Stardust" and "The Golden Compass"
In 2007, Ian McKellen narrated the film "Stardust" and voiced Iorek Byrnison in "The Golden Compass."
2007: Return to the Royal Shakespeare Company
Ian McKellen returned to the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2007 for productions of "King Lear" and "The Seagull."
2007: Patron of The Albert Kennedy Trust
In 2007, Ian McKellen became a patron of The Albert Kennedy Trust, which supports young, homeless, and troubled LGBT individuals.
December 2008: Featured in Out Magazine's Out 100 List
Ian McKellen was included in Out Magazine's annual Out 100 list in December 2008.
2008: Appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour
In 2008, Ian McKellen was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for his services to drama and equality.
2009: Evening Standard Awards The Lebedev Special Award
Ian McKellen was awarded The Lebedev Special Award at the Evening Standard Awards in 2009.
2009: Role in "The Prisoner" and "Waiting for Godot"
In 2009, Ian McKellen starred in a remake of "The Prisoner" and appeared in a popular revival of "Waiting for Godot" alongside Patrick Stewart.
2009: Collaboration with Sean Mathias on "Waiting for Godot"
Sean Mathias directed Ian McKellen in a production of "Waiting for Godot" at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2009.
April 2010: Age UK Advertisements
Ian McKellen, Brian Cox, and Eleanor Bron appeared in a series of TV advertisements for Age UK in April 2010, contributing their time to the charity.
2010: Support for Liverpool's Homotopia Festival
Ian McKellen showed his support for Liverpool's Homotopia festival in 2010.
2010: Performance of "Waiting for Godot" in New Zealand
Ian McKellen performed in a production of "Waiting for Godot" in New Zealand in 2010.
February 2011: Christchurch Earthquake
A significant earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand, in February 2011, causing widespread damage.
March 2011: Charity Cricket Match in New Zealand
Ian McKellen umpired a charity cricket match in New Zealand in March 2011 to raise funds for victims of the Christchurch earthquake that occurred the previous month.
May 2011: Criticism of Moscow's Mayor
Ian McKellen criticized Moscow's mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, in May 2011 for not allowing gay parades in the city.
2011: Christchurch Earthquake
A major earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2011, causing substantial damage.
2011: Release of "X-Men: First Class"
A younger version of Magneto, played by Michael Fassbender, was introduced in "X-Men: First Class" in 2011.
August 2012: London Paralympics Opening Ceremony
In late August 2012, Ian McKellen participated in the London Paralympics opening ceremony as Prospero from "The Tempest."
2012: Participation in the Summer Paralympics Opening Ceremony
In 2012, McKellen participated in the Summer Paralympics opening ceremony in London, portraying the character of Prospero from Shakespeare's The Tempest.
2012: Fundraising Tour for Isaac Theatre Royal
While filming "The Hobbit" in New Zealand in 2012, Ian McKellen announced a special tour titled "Shakespeare, Tolkien and You!" to raise funds for the Isaac Theatre Royal, which was damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
2012: Reprising Gandalf in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
Ian McKellen returned to his iconic role as Gandalf in the first installment of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" trilogy, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," in 2012.
2012: Update on Prostate Cancer
In 2012, Ian McKellen publicly shared that his cancer was contained and he did not require treatment.
2012: "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" Release
Ian McKellen reprised his role as Gandalf in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey", released in 2012.
2012: Honored by Only Make Believe
Ian McKellen was honored by the non-profit organization Only Make Believe in 2012.
November 2013: Hosting Only Make Believe's Annual Gala
Ian McKellen hosted Only Make Believe's annual Make Believe on Broadway Gala in November 2013.
November 2013: Appearance in "The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot"
In November 2013, Ian McKellen made an appearance in the Doctor Who 50th anniversary comedy homage, "The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot".
2013: Broadway Run of "Waiting for Godot" and "No Man's Land"
From 2013 to 2014, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart starred in acclaimed Broadway productions of "Waiting for Godot" and "No Man's Land."
2013: "No Man's Land" and "Waiting for Godot" on Broadway
Ian McKellen appeared in "No Man's Land" and "Waiting for Godot" on Broadway in 2013.
2013: Ordination and Officiation of Patrick Stewart's Wedding
Ian McKellen became an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church in early 2013 to officiate the wedding of his friend and "X-Men" co-star Patrick Stewart to singer Sunny Ozell.
June 2014: Honorary Doctorate from Cambridge University
Ian McKellen received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Cambridge University in June 2014.
October 2014: Freedom of the City of London
In October 2014, Ian McKellen was made a Freeman of the City of London at a ceremony in Guildhall. Fiona Woolf, the Lord Mayor of London at the time, nominated him for the honor.
October 2014: Awarded Freedom of the City of London
In October 2014, Ian McKellen was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
2014: Broadway Run of "Waiting for Godot" and "No Man's Land" (Continued)
From 2013 to 2014, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart starred in acclaimed Broadway productions of "Waiting for Godot" and "No Man's Land."
2014: Continuing Roles in "The Hobbit" and "X-Men" Franchises
The year 2014 saw Ian McKellen reprise his role as Gandalf in the final two "Hobbit" films, "The Desolation of Smaug" and "The Battle of the Five Armies." He also returned as Magneto in "X-Men: Days of Future Past."
2014: "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" Release
The final film in "The Hobbit" trilogy, "The Battle of the Five Armies", starring Ian McKellen as Gandalf, was released in 2014.
2014: World Pride Power List Recognition
In 2014, Ian McKellen was named one of the top 10 on the World Pride Power list.
2014: Release of "X-Men: Days of Future Past"
Ian McKellen returned as Magneto, sharing the role with Michael Fassbender, in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" in 2014.
October 2015: Performance in "The Dresser"
In October 2015, Ian McKellen shared the screen with Anthony Hopkins in a BBC Two production of Ronald Harwood's "The Dresser." McKellen's performance earned him a British Academy Television Award nomination.
2015: "Mr. Holmes" Release
Ian McKellen starred in the film "Mr. Holmes", which was released in 2015.
2015: Publication of "Curtain Call"
Anthony Quinn's novel "Curtain Call," which inspired the film "The Critic," was published in 2015.
2016: Conclusion of "Vicious"
Ian McKellen's run in the ITV sitcom "Vicious," where he played Freddie Thornhill alongside Derek Jacobi, concluded in 2016 after a successful run.
July 2017: One-Man Show at Park Theatre
Ian McKellen performed a one-man show at Park Theatre in London in July 2017, donating the proceeds to the venue.
October 2017: King Lear at Chichester Festival Theatre
In October 2017, Ian McKellen took on the role of King Lear at the Chichester Festival Theatre, a performance he hinted might be his final major Shakespearean role.
2017: Release of "Beauty and the Beast" and "McKellen: Playing the Part"
Ian McKellen lent his voice to the character of Cogsworth in the live-action adaptation of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" in 2017. The same year, a documentary about his life and career, "McKellen: Playing the Part," was released.
2017: Honorary Award from the Istanbul International Film Festival
In 2017, he was honored with the Honorary Award from the Istanbul International Film Festival.
2018: Various Performances and Voice Acting
Ian McKellen reprised his role as King Lear in London's West End, voiced Dr. Cecil Pritchfield in an episode of "Family Guy," and appeared in the historical drama "All is True" in 2018.
2019: Release of "The Good Liar" and "Cats"
Ian McKellen reunited with director Bill Condon for "The Good Liar" and joined the star-studded cast of the film adaptation of the musical "Cats" in 2019.
2019: "The Good Liar" Release
The film "The Good Liar", starring Ian McKellen, was released in 2019.
2019: "Ian McKellen on Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and YOU" Tour
To celebrate his 80th birthday, Ian McKellen embarked on a one-man show tour across the UK, Ireland, and Broadway, reflecting on his illustrious career.
June 2020: Appearance on "Reunited Apart"
Ian McKellen joined Josh Gad's YouTube series "Reunited Apart" in June 2020, along with several "Lord of the Rings" co-stars, writer Philippa Boyens, and director Peter Jackson.
2020: Olivier Award Win for "Ian McKellen on Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and YOU"
In 2020, Ian McKellen received an Olivier Award for his performance in "Ian McKellen on Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and YOU."
2023: Premiere of "The Critic" and Announcement of "The Player Kings"
"The Critic," a film starring Ian McKellen, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023. That same year, his role as Falstaff in "The Player Kings" was announced.
2023: Knitting for Kylie Minogue
In 2023, it was announced that Ian McKellen and Björn Ulvaeus would create knitted stagewear for Kylie Minogue's Las Vegas residency.
April 2024: Performance in "The Player Kings"
In April 2024, Ian McKellen began his performance as Falstaff in "The Player Kings" in London's West End.