Happy Birthday to Sir Ian McKellen.

Posted: 5/25/05 at 2:27am

I normally just do my little personal tributes with my icon and a signature quote, but this man is so special to me – and important enough in the realm of theatre – that I’m going to do a little thread just for him.

I first entered his sphere when I saw his Salieri in AMADEUS, by Peter Shaffer (with Tim Curry and Jane Seymour.) A truly bravura performance, and absolutely one of the most thrilling nights of theatre I’ve ever experienced. Since then, I’ve watched and been enthralled as he has expanded and deepened his acting legacy. I know there are many who excel at this craft, but he represents the epitome to me.

But beyond that, it was his decision to come out as a gay man when the community needed help in England that endeared me to him for life. He made himself and his celebrity available to help his gay brothers and sisters fight oppression – and helped win a battle in the fight for justice. Since then he has handled his status as ‘gay royalty’ with grace, dignity, wit and ultimate aplomb.

I feel the world of the arts is better for his contributions, but I feel the sub-community of gay men and women is ennobled by his open and joyous participation in life.

So, I wish the happiest and most blessed of birthdays to a brilliant actor, a fearless peer and one of the best that we as artists have to offer the world. Bravo, Serena!

[KelRel]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 8:49am

He is a wonderful actor and deserves all the praise in the world. I still wish he had signed on to take over as Dumbledore in the HP movies, but that is another thread...

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 8:51am

I raise my glass today to Sir Ian.

[OnTheAisle]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 8:54am

to Sir Ian, a consumate professional!!!!

[paradox_error]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 9:10am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

One of the greatest actors of our time, and a true inspiration!

May you have many more!

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 9:54am

Ah, Sir Ian. Happy, happy birthday.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 10:18am

A great actor and a wonderful, wonderful man.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 10:19am

A wonderful tribute.

Happy Birthday to one of the great ones!

[robbiej]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 10:22am

As an Italian, I'd like to apologize for that bumbling idiot ripping the Oscar out of Ian's cold, gay hand.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 10:25am

Apology accepted.

Posted: 5/25/05 at 10:37am

Ian got his oscar prize just a few years after that - he was sitting next to him in the front row, and couldn't keep his hand off of his Lordship's knee

[Plum]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 10:38am

An incredible actor with a real sense of humor about himself? Whodathunkit?

Happy birthday, Mr. McKellen.

Posted: 5/25/05 at 1:49pm

Plum - I think having a sense of humor about themselves is something EVERYONE needs!

[Jezebel]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 2:13pm

Happpy birthday to a fine actor. I think his only role that bored me was Gandalf. How anybody could sit through Lord of the Rings is beyond me!

Is there any Brits out there enjoying his comic turn in 'Coronation Street' at the moment? Fantastic!

Oh and Plum, it's 'Sir', not 'Mr.'

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 3:04pm

A very happy birthday to Sir Ian McKellen, my favourite actor. I actually have a picture of him up on my wall. He's one of the very best actors of our time, with so many memorable performances. Thank you to DGrant for bringing his birthday to our attention.

I actually believe Gandalf is his best film performance to date -- a perfect balance of grandfatherly charm and majestic, Prospero-like presence. His casting in the role is what drew me to the Lord of the Rings movies in the first place (and I've been very well-rewarded ).

(And yes, DGrant, his guest to the 2002 Academy Awards was a jaw-droppingly handsome man!)

Maybe I'll pop in my beloved DVD of the RSC's MACBETH (Sir Ian's greatest stage performance, IMO) tonight, to celebrate this wonderful man.

Updated On: 5/25/05 at 03:04 PM

[TGIF]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 3:07pm

Posted: 5/25/05 at 3:23pm

BlueWizard - Glad you like the Grey/White one so much

And just to give credit where it's due - the reason I usually know when someone's birthday is (like this, for example) is because do_re_milla faithfully posts them each day on the Main Board - which I thank her for very much!

[stonewall2]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 8:58pm

Happy Birthday to a wonderful actor.
Cheers!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 9:09pm

Happy birthday, Sir Ian, you big girl!!

[Caravaggio]

Posted: 5/25/05 at 9:50pm

He's since traded in his Oscar prize for a new model.