Ian McKellen, the award-winning actor best known for playing Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has turned 87, marking another milestone for one of Britain’s most respected performers and cultural icons.
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
McKellen later reprised the role in The Hobbit trilogy and is attached to return as Gandalf in The Hunt for Gollum, which is expected to release in 2027.
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
Born on May 25, 1939, in Burnley, Lancashire, England, McKellen built his reputation first in theater before becoming a Hollywood icon. He made his professional stage debut in 1961 and later became one of the leading actors of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theater of Great Britain.
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.
His film career includes acclaimed performances in Gods and Monsters, Richard III, Beauty and the Beast, The Da Vinci Code, Mr. Holmes and Stardust.
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.
“This is the only company of actors in the United Kingdom and it’s in … Horden?” McKellen said, according to The Guardian. “I’m feeling very emotional. This fulfils all my romantic dreams I’ve had ever since I discovered the joys of theatre-going and acting.”
He also criticized the decline of long-term acting companies in modern British theater.
“The National Theater doesn’t employ actors full-time. They’re hired helps. That’s not right,” McKellen said.
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.
McKellen publicly came out as gay in 1988 and has since become one of the entertainment industry’s most outspoken advocates for LGBT rights.
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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