Sir Ian McKellen, the iconic actor of stage and screen, recently sat down for a candid conversation reflecting on his remarkable six-decade career. As he spoke with Variety, the conversation inevitably touched upon both his triumphs and tribulations in the world of cinema. While he fondly reminisced about some of his iconic roles, including those in “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men,” there was one cinematic experience that stood out as his “worst movie-making experience” – his leading role in Michael Mann’s 1983 war horror film, “The Keep.”
In a revealing moment, McKellen shared his initial preparation for the role in Romania, where he diligently learned to speak with a Romanian accent. However, on the first day of shooting, he was taken aback when Mann insisted on a Chicago accent instead, leaving him perplexed and frustrated. Despite the film’s initial critical reception, “The Keep” has since acquired a cult following, although McKellen’s experience on set remains a memorable part of his journey.
Despite the challenges faced along the way, McKellen, now 84, affirmed that he has no plans to retire from acting. He expressed gratitude for his enduring career, acknowledging that while unforeseen circumstances could interrupt his work, he felt a strong desire to continue performing as long as he could. “While the knees hold up and the memory remains intact, why shouldn’t I carry on?” he remarked, noting his growing confidence in his acting abilities.
Beyond his career, McKellen also reflected on the pivotal moment when he publicly came out as gay in 1988. He explained how this decision transformed his life in a profoundly positive way, enhancing his relationships with others and reshaping his approach to acting. His coming-out journey occurred during an appearance on the BBC Radio programme Third Ear, where he passionately advocated against proposed laws in England that sought to restrict the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities.
Since his coming out, Ian McKellen has become a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, passionately supporting various LGBTQ+ organizations and tirelessly championing the rights of queer individuals worldwide. His legacy not only encompasses his remarkable acting career but also his enduring commitment to making the world a more inclusive and accepting place for all.