McKellen

McKellen is a surname of British Isles origin. It is associated with individuals of English, Scottish, or Irish descent and appears in various historical spellings. The name gained widespread public recognition through Sir Ian McKellen, an English actor whose career has spanned stage, film, and television.

Ian McKellen was born in 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire, England. He trained at Cambridge and built a long stage career with the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in London and on Broadway and taking on both Shakespearean and contemporary roles.

In film, McKellen is widely known for portraying Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, and for his role as Magneto in the X-Men film series. His screen work also includes appearances in Gods and Monsters, Richard III, The Da Vinci Code, among others, showcasing a range of dramatic and sometimes comedic performances.

McKellen has been honored for his contributions to drama with a knighthood conferred in 1991. He is recognized as an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and for supporting theatre education and accessibility. Beyond acting, he has participated in various stage productions, charitable efforts, and public engagements that emphasize the performing arts in the United Kingdom and internationally.