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Ian McKellen

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Ian McKellen: Biography

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Birth Name: Ian Murray McKellen
Birth Place: Burnley, Lancashire, England
Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 05/25/1939, Gemini
Profession: Actor

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Ian McKellen Fast Facts:

His interest in the theater was sparked by his parents, who took him to see Peter Pan at the Manchester Opera House when he was 3.
Originally wanted to become a journalist.
Made his professional stage debut in 1961 without any formal dramatic training in a production of A Man for All Seasons at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry; later made his TV acting debut in 1964 in an episode of the British series Kipling.
Knighted by Margaret Thatcher in 1991 and later quoted in the Los Angeles Times as saying: "I think I get far more respect than I deserve in Hollywood, because of the 'Sir.' They think, 'Oh my God, who is this guy? Is he related to the Queen'?"
Claimed not to have read The Lord of the Rings books prior to acting in the film trilogy.
Turned down the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
In addition to his knighthood, was made a Companion of Honour in the Queen's 2008 New Year's Honours for his contributions to drama and equality.

Ian McKellen Relationships:
Denis Murray McKellen - Father
Jean McKellen - Sister
Margery Lois McKellen - Mother
Ian McKellen Awards:
2003 BAFTA Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Nominee
2001 BAFTA Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role - Nominee
1996 BAFTA Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay - Nominee
1996 BAFTA Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role - Nominee
2003 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Winner
2002 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Nominee
2004 Genie Awards: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - Nominee
2001 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture - Nominee
2001 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role - Winner
1998 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role - Nominee
1996 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama - Nominee
1999 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama - Nominee
1997 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Winner
1996 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actor for a Miniseries or a Special - Nominee
1994 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special - Nominee
1998 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role - Nominee
2001 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Nominee
1981 Tony: Actor (Play) - Winner
1984 Tony: Actor (Play) - Nominee
2007 Emmy: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
2009 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie - Nominee
2010 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie - Nominee
College:
University of Cambridge, St. Catharine's College, Cambridge, England (BA in English Literature, 1961)