Ian McKellen's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ian McKellen. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Sir Ian McKellen is a highly acclaimed English actor recognized for his versatile performances across various genres, from Shakespearean plays to modern fantasy films. A British cultural icon knighted in 1991, McKellen has received prestigious awards, including a Tony, a Golden Globe, and multiple Olivier Awards. He has also earned nominations for Academy, BAFTA, and Emmy Awards, solidifying his status as one of the most respected actors of his generation.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1977: Laurence Olivier Award for Pillars of the Community

In 1977, Ian McKellen won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Pillars of the Community.

1979: Awarded a CBE

In 1979, Ian McKellen was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).

1981: Tony Award for Amadeus

In 1981, Ian McKellen won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in Amadeus.

1984: Laurence Olivier Award for Wild Honey

In 1984, Ian McKellen won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Wild Honey.

1991: Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II

In 1991, Ian McKellen was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing him as a British cultural icon.

1991: Knighted for services to the performing arts

In 1991, Ian McKellen was knighted for his services to the performing arts.

1991: Laurence Olivier Award for Richard III

In 1991, Ian McKellen won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Richard III.

1993: Tales of the City and And the Band Played On

In 1993, Ian McKellen appeared in minor roles in the television miniseries "Tales of the City" and the HBO television film "And the Band Played On", where he played gay rights activist Bill Kraus, receiving the CableACE Award and a Primetime Emmy nomination. McKellen also started touring his one-man show, "A Knights Out", about coming out as a gay man in 1993.

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1996: Starring as Tsar Nicholas II in Rasputin

In 1996, Ian McKellen starred as Tsar Nicholas II in the HBO television movie "Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny", winning a Golden Globe Award for his performance and earning an Emmy nomination.

1998: Apt Pupil and Gods and Monsters

In 1998, Ian McKellen appeared in the psychological thriller "Apt Pupil" and portrayed James Whale in "Gods and Monsters", for which he received an Academy Award nomination.

1999: Academy Award Nomination for Gods and Monsters

In 1999, Ian McKellen received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the movie "Gods and Monsters".

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2001: Academy Award Nomination for The Lord of the Rings

In 2001, Ian McKellen received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring".

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2001: Artist Citizen of the World Award

In 2001, Ian McKellen received the Artist Citizen of the World Award in France.

2001: Release of The Fellowship of the Ring

In 2001, Ian McKellen starred in "The Fellowship of the Ring", the first film in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. For his role as Gandalf, he won the Screen Actors Guild Award and was nominated for an Academy Award.

2004: Pride International Film Festival's Lifetime Achievement & Distinction Award

In 2004, Ian McKellen received the Pride International Film Festival's Lifetime Achievement & Distinction Award.

2006: Extras appearance

In 2006, Ian McKellen appeared in the BBC series "Extras", playing himself directing Ricky Gervais's character. For this, he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

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2006: Olivier Awards's Society Special Award

In 2006, Ian McKellen received the Olivier Awards's Society Special Award.

December 2008: Out 100 List

In December 2008, Ian McKellen was named in Out's annual Out 100 list.

2008: Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour

In 2008, Ian McKellen was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to drama and to equality.

2009: Evening Standard Awards The Lebedev Special Award

In 2009, Ian McKellen received the Evening Standard Awards' The Lebedev Special Award.

2012: Cancer is contained

In 2012, Ian McKellen stated on his blog that his prostate cancer was contained and required no treatment.

2012: Honored by Only Make Believe

In 2012, Ian McKellen was honored by the New York City- and Washington, D.C.–based organisation Only Make Believe, which creates and performs interactive plays in children's hospitals and care facilities.