Ian McKellen recently made a guest appearance on the popular talk show, Alan Carr: Chatty Man, where he opened up about his experience of being gay in the 1960s. The renowned actor, known for his iconic roles in the Lord of the Rings and X-Men franchises, shared his thoughts on a variety of topics during the full interview.
During the interview, McKellen discussed his role as Gandalf the Grey in the Lord of the Rings films and his return to the character of Gandalf in The Hobbit. He joked about Gandalf’s powers and even compared the wizard to celebrity dog trainer Cesar Millan.
McKellen also talked about his initial reluctance to work in cinemas, having been primarily focused on theater for many years. However, his perception changed when he starred in a film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard III. This led to roles in films like Apt Pupil and the X-Men franchise, ultimately leading to his involvement in the Lord of the Rings series.
The conversation took an interesting turn when Carr brought up McKellen’s upcoming sitcom, Vicious Old Queens, where he plays a gay character living with his partner in Soho. McKellen shared that he didn’t particularly enjoy the way the characters communicate with each other on the show, but he was willing to take on the challenge.
The talk show didn’t shy away from discussing personal matters either. McKellen candidly talked about his battle with prostate cancer, which he has been dealing with for eight years. He emphasized the importance of getting checked, especially for men in their late 60s, and reassured viewers that early detection can lead to successful treatment.
In a twist of events, McKellen inadvertently drew attention to his health during the interview when he mentioned his prostate cancer. While he didn’t particularly enjoy the spotlight, he received an email from the prostate cancer charity expressing gratitude for raising awareness about the disease.
Overall, Ian McKellen‘s appearance on Alan Carr: Chatty Man was filled with lively conversation and insightful moments. From discussing his iconic film roles to sharing personal health struggles, McKellen’s openness and charm captivated audiences. Alan Carr‘s witty banter and McKellen’s natural charisma made for a memorable episode that highlighted the importance of being honest and open about one’s experiences.
