Ian McKellen Feels ‘Sorry’ For LGBTQ+ Actors Still In The Closet, Calling It ‘Silly’ & Urging Them To ‘Come Out’

Apr 02, 2025 by apost team

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One of Britain’s most esteemed actors, Ian McKellen, has long advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, encouraging performers to embrace their truth. The legendary actor, known for his iconic roles, including Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” and Magneto in “X-Men,” remains a beloved figure whose openness has inspired countless artists to embrace their identities without fear.

McKellen was born May 25, 1939, and is renowned for his theatre, film, and television work. He has had a distinguished career spanning over six decades, excelling in both classical Shakespearean roles and modern blockbuster films.

McKellen publicly came out on Jan. 27, 1988, during a BBC Radio 3 interview on the program “Third Ear,” while speaking against Section 28, a proposed law that sought to prohibit the promotion of homosexuality in schools. His decision to come out was a turning point, not just in his personal life but also in his career. 

The actor has always expressed sympathy for LGBTQ+ actors who feel they cannot safely share their sexual identity. In a 2023 interview with Variety, McKellen reflected on how his coming out moment transformed his life: “Almost overnight, everything in my life changed for the better – my relationships with people and my whole attitude toward acting changed.” The actor explained that living openly allowed him to approach roles with newfound authenticity and confidence.

Since then, McKellen has become a prominent activist for gay rights, using his platform to push for equality in the entertainment industry and beyond. Over the decades, he has advocated for inclusion, believing that actors perform best when they are free to be themselves.

On Mar. 9, 2025, McKellen, 85, sat down with The Times of London to discuss the deeply personal cause. Reflecting on the importance of living openly, he stated:

“I have never met anybody who came out who regretted it.”

He went on to express empathy for public figures who feel unable to share their true selves:

“I feel sorry for any famous person who feels they can’t come out. Being in the closet is silly – there’s no need for it.”

Encouraging those still hesitant, he added:

“Don’t listen to your advisers, listen to your heart, listen to your gay friends who know better. Come out. Get into the sunshine.”

The star also reflected on his own journey, recalling his role in the 1970s production of Christopher Marlowe’s “Edward II.” The play, which depicts the relationship between King Edward II of England and his lover, Piers Gaveston, made history when McKellen and co-star James Laurenson shared British television’s first same-sex kiss. He said:

“I still hear from men of my generation who say that kiss was a huge moment for them.” 

McKellen also addressed the ongoing gaps in LGBTQ+ representation, noting the lack of an openly gay Oscar winner for Best Actor, a British prime minister, or a Premier League soccer player. He cautioned:

“We always have to be alert.” 

McKellen continued:

“In this country, I hope that because of gay marriage, more people are less frightened and more accepting of gay people. Elsewhere, the picture is not so good.”

apost.com

Ian McKellen has shown multiple times that living authentically can be life-changing. Would more public figures coming out help pave the way for greater acceptance? Let us know, and then pass this along to admirers of the actor!