Ian McKellen Wiki: Sir Ian Murray McKellen was born in the English town of Burnley on May 25, 1939. He is a well-known actor whose work began at the Belgrade Theatre in 1961 and has lasted for over 60 years. His mother, Margery Lois (née Sutcliffe), and father, Denis Murray McKellen, were devout Christians who ensured their home was filled with love and respect. Ian’s father was an Irish and Scottish civil engineer and lay preacher. His mother died of breast cancer when Ian was just 12 years old.
Table of Contents
Since 1988, Ian has been out as a gay man and has become a leader for LGBT social groups worldwide. Brian Taylor, a history teacher from Bolton, and Sean Mathias, whom he met at the Edinburgh Festival, are two people he has dated. He has lived in the same five-story Victorian house in Limehouse for over 25 years. It is on Narrow Street. Now, let’s find out more about this exciting person.

Ian McKellen Wiki/Bio
Ian McKellen Wiki and Biography | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Sir Ian Murray McKellen |
Date of Birth | 25 May 1939 |
Birthplace | Burnley, Lancashire, England |
Nationality | British |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion | Atheist |
Sexual Orientation | Gay |
Marital Status | Single |
Partner(s) | Brian Taylor (1964-1972), Sean Mathias (1978-1988) |
Parents | Margery Lois (née Sutcliffe), Denis Murray McKellen |
Siblings | Jean McKellen (sister) |
Residence | Narrow Street, Limehouse, London |
Hobbies | Theatre, Traveling, Reading |
Favourite Food | Pescetarian Diet |
Educational Background | Bolton School (Boys’ Division), St Catharine’s College, Cambridge |
Ian McKellen Height, Weight, and More
Ian McKellen has always lived a fit and healthy life, which has undoubtedly helped him stay in the acting business for so long. He is 1.80 meters tall, which is about 5 feet 11 inches. About 75 kilograms, or 165 pounds, is how much he weighs. With his blue eyes that look right through you and his white hair, he has an air of grace and charm that is all his own. Ian’s charismatic on-screen presence and captivating acts are helped by the way he looks.
Ian McKellen Height, Weight, and More | Details |
---|---|
Height | 1.80 meters / 5 feet 11 inches |
Weight | 75 kg / 165 pounds |
Hair Color | White |
Eye Color | Blue |
Body Type | Average |
Tattoos | Elvish number nine tattoo on his shoulder |
Shoe Size | 10 US |
Ian McKellen Career Information
Ian McKellen has had a tremendous and inspiring acting career. He made his stage debut in 1961 and became a mainstay at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre of Great Britain. He has won many awards, including a Golden Globe Award, six Olivier Awards, and a Tony Award.

He became famous worldwide for playing Magneto in the X-Men movies and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. He has also worked to support LGBT rights. He co-founded the Stonewall lobby group and has helped several Pride and LGBT groups.
Ian McKellen Career Information | Details |
---|---|
Profession | Actor |
Years Active | 1961-present |
Known For | Stage and film roles, particularly in Shakespearean dramas, the X-Men films, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy |
Awards | Tony Award, Six Olivier Awards, Golden Globe Award |
Broadway Debut | The Promise (1965) |
Significant Roles | Antonio Salieri in Amadeus, King Richard III, James Whale in Gods and Monsters, Magneto in X-Men, Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings |
Activism | Co-founder of Stonewall, Patron of LGBT History Month, Pride London, Oxford Pride, GAY-GLOS, LGBT Foundation and FFLAG |
Ian McKellen Net Worth Information
Because of how well he did as an actor, Ian McKellen has made a lot of money over the years. His net worth is thought to be around $60 million right now. Most of this money comes from his parts in movies and plays, especially his well-known roles as Magneto and Gandalf. McKellen makes money in other ways besides playing. He endorses brands, invests in real estate, and shares in The Grapes public house in Narrow Street.
Ian McKellen Net Worth Information | Details |
---|---|
Net Worth | $60 million |
Salary | Varies per project |
Primary Income Source | Acting |
Secondary Income Source | Brand endorsements, Property investments |
Assets | Home in Limehouse, London; Share in The Grapes public house |
Investments | The Grapes public house |
Charitable Donations | Numerous contributions to LGBT organizations and other charities |
Financial Mentors | Unknown |
Luxury Items | Several luxury properties, High-end vehicles |
Insurance | Private Health Insurance, Life Insurance |
Ten Interesting Facts about Ian McKellen
- Ian McKellen received the Artist Citizen of the World Award (France) in 2001.
- On his shoulder, he has a tattoo of the Elvish number nine about his role in The Lord of the Rings.
- He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006 but has stated that it is well-managed and has required no treatment.
- He became an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church to preside over the wedding of his friend and X-Men co-star Patrick Stewart.
- He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters by Cambridge University in 2014.
- He was made a Freeman of the City of London in 2014.
- His great-great-grandfather Robert J. Lowes campaigned for the modern five-day work week.
- His first Shakespeare play was Twelfth Night, seen at nine.
- He is an Emeritus Fellow of St Catherine’s College, Oxford.
- He lost his appetite for all kinds of meat but fish in the late 1980s and has since followed a pescetarian diet.
Conclusion
Ian McKellen is a living legend in the acting world, and his work has stood the test of time. From the stage to the big screen, he has given life to many different characters, leaving his mark on the business for good. Outside his job, he is a vocal supporter of LGBT rights and uses his position to improve things. Ian McKellen still inspires many worldwide because of his long and successful job, good work as an activist, and strong personal life.