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