Ian McKellen Urges Young LGBTQ+ Actors to Embrace Their Identity
In a recent interview with The Times, the acclaimed actor Ian McKellen, known for his roles in legendary films such as The Lord of the Rings, shared his views on the necessity of coming out for young gay actors. McKellen, who publicly revealed his sexuality at the age of 48 in 1988, emphasized that remaining in the closet is “silly” and unnecessary.
Encouragement for Emerging Talent
“I have never met anybody who came out who regretted it,” McKellen stated, expressing his compassion for those who feel pressured to stay hidden. He urged young actors to prioritize their feelings over external advice, stating, “Don’t listen to your advisers, listen to your heart.” He further advised, “Listen to your gay friends who know better. Come out. Get into the sunshine.”
LGBTQ+ Representation in Sports
In discussing broader societal issues, McKellen drew parallels between the acting world and sports, particularly noting the absence of openly LGBTQ+ players in the English Premier League. He remarked, “In women’s sport it’s not an issue,” indicating a notable disparity in how different sports handle LGBTQ+ representation. He speculated that young male athletes, much like actors, may receive misguided advice from agents concerned primarily with financial implications.
The Impact of Visibility
McKellen posited that the first male footballer to come out could achieve unprecedented fame, predicting, “The first Premier League footballer to come out will become the most famous footballer in the world, with all the agencies begging for his name on their products.”
Recent Health Challenges and Future Projects
At 85 years old, McKellen remains active in the arts despite setbacks. Following a fall during a performance of Player Kings last summer, which resulted in a fractured wrist, he shared the ongoing challenges of dealing with chronic pain. However, he confirmed his desire to continue acting and has no plans for retirement.
In a hopeful reminder of his enduring legacy, McKellen expressed enthusiasm for returning to the role of Gandalf in any future The Lord of the Rings adaptations. He indicated, “I’m not letting anyone else put on the pointy hat and beard if I can help it.”
With a new film titled The Hunt For Gollum set to release in 2026 and directed by Andy Serkis, McKellen noted that interest in the Lord of the Rings franchise “shows no sign of abating.” In a recent interview, he mentioned that he was informed about the potential for more films involving his iconic character, expressing his eagerness to reprise the role.
