McKellen celebrated his birthday on Monday as fans around the world honored a career that has lasted more than six decades across film, television and theater. The veteran actor remains closely tied to The Lord of the Rings, widely regarded by many movie fans and critics as the greatest film adaptation of all time.
The acclaimed trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson and based on the novels by J. R. R. Tolkien, turned McKellen into a global superstar after the release of The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001. His performance as Gandalf earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Sir Ian McKellen attends "The Christophers" London Premiere at 15 Great Windmill Street on April 21, 2026 in London, England.Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Beyond Middle-earth, McKellen became famous worldwide for portraying Magneto in the X-Men franchise. He is also set to reprise the role in Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.
Ian McKellen’s Legendary Career Continues
Over the years, McKellen earned a long list of honors, including a Tony Award, six Laurence Olivier Awards, a Golden Globe Award and multiple Academy Award nominations.
Despite his age, McKellen remains active in both acting and theater advocacy. Just last week, he opened a new theater space for Ensemble 84 in Horden, County Durham. During the event, McKellen became emotional while discussing the importance of repertory theater companies.
He also criticized the decline of long-term acting companies in modern British theater.
Earlier this month, McKellen also made headlines after revealing that late Star Wars actor Alec Guinness once advised him to step away from LGBT activism, per Variety.
At 87, the legendary actor remains one of entertainment’s most beloved and respected figures, a performer whose influence stretches far beyond Middle-earth.
Related: Ian McKellen Says He ‘Fell in Love’ With This Controversial Star
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