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Ian McKellen Biography

Birth Name:

Ian Murray McKellen

Birth Place:

Burnley, Lancashire, England

Profession

Actor

Fast Facts

Early fascination with 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 1990 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 movies
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

Awards

2019Olivier Awards-Best Actor: nominated
2016BAFTA Television Awards-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2010Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
2007Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
2004BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
2004Critics' Choice Awards-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
2004Genie Awards-Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
2003Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: winner
2002BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
2002Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
2001Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
2001Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: winner
2001Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
2001Toronto Film Critics Association-Best Supporting Actor [Runner-up]: winner
1999Independent Spirit Awards-Best Male Lead: winner
1999Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
1999Critics' Choice Awards-Best Actor: winner
1999Critics' Choice Awards-Best Actor: winner
1998Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Actor: winner
1998Chicago Film Critics Association-Best Actor: winner
1998National Society of Film Critics-Best Actor - Runner-up: winner
1998National Board of Review-Best Actor: winner
1998Toronto Film Critics Association-Best Actor: winner
1998Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1998Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1997BAFTA Film Awards-Best Adapted Screenplay: nominated
1997Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
1997BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1996European Film Academy-Best Actor: winner
1996European Film Awards-European Actor: winner
1996Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
1996Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor for a Miniseries or a Special: nominated

Relationships

Denis Murray McKellen -- Father
Margery Lois McKellen -- Mother
Jean McKellen -- Sister