Why do you act? You act for an audience. In the theatre, you're in their presence. Film stars don't know what it is to have an audience. Ian Mckellen actaudiencefilm Change image and share on social
I just followed my parents' example and advice on living, which was to leave the world a better place than you found it. They were professional do-gooders, ministers of the church, social workers, teachers, and missionaries, that sort of thing. Ian Mckellen advicechurchfind share on social
I have little routines in the theater. Once I've established something, like the order of putting on makeup and a costume, I have to invariably do it in the same order every time, even if I only did it by chance the first time round. Ian Mckellen chancecostumeestablish share on social
It was wrongly assumed that I wished to become some sort of leader among gay activists, whereas in reality I was happier to be a foot soldier. Ian Mckellen activistassumefoot Change image and share on social
I got better as an actor, and still I'm getting better. That's only been possible because there's always been work. Ian Mckellen actorwork Change image and share on social
Gandalf the Grey was always the guy I prefer. Gandalf the White was driven to do a particular job, whereas Gandalf the Grey is a bit more humane. Ian Mckellen bitedrivegandalf Change image and share on social
The strength of British theatre should be that these actors in their middle years know what they're doing and are good at it. Not rich, not famous, but making a living. Ian Mckellen actorbritishfamous Change image and share on social
When I came out, I told my stepmother Gladys, and she just said she had known for years and was glad I wasn't lying anymore. Ian Mckellen anymoregladgladys Change image and share on social
Every time you work is a challenge. There's a constant worry about it, and it's a side of acting I don't like. Ian Mckellen actchallengeconstant Change image and share on social
I learned that coming out was crucial to self-esteem. Ian Mckellen comecrucialesteem Change image and share on social
