In a recent episode of The Jonathan Ross Show, Sir Ian McKellen made a special appearance and showcased his most prized possession. As the guests gathered in what seemed to be Jonathan Ross‘s front room, Sir Ian brought out his treasured briefcase, much to the curiosity of the audience.
The briefcase held a significant meaning for Sir Ian, as it featured the initials “LOLO,” which stood for Lawrence Olivier and Olivia. Lawrence Olivier, a renowned figure in Sir Ian’s life, had been his hero during his youth. Sir Ian had attempted to purchase the briefcase at a charity auction but was outbid by none other than Sting.
However, on his 60th birthday, Sir Ian received a surprise present from Sting himself – the coveted briefcase. It was a thoughtful gesture that left a lasting impression on Sir Ian, emphasizing what a lovely person Sting is.
During the conversation, Sir Ian and Jonathan Ross also discussed an exciting new sitcom they are both part of. The show, titled “Vicious Old Queens,” revolves around two gay men, played by Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Derek Jacobi. The series highlights their adorable yet turbulent relationship after living together for 48 years in Soho. Their characters, while perfectly horrible to each other, still harbor a deep love, making for an engaging and humorous storyline.
Sir Ian reflected on the significance of the sitcom, noting that it is quite unique for him and Sir Derek to finally collaborate after all these years. They had acted together during their university days but never had the opportunity to work together professionally until now.
The conversation took an interesting turn as Sir Ian shared insights into the challenges faced by gay individuals in the 1950s. He discussed the lack of acceptance, the fear of being reported to the police, and the secretive nature of their relationships. While some may romanticize the underground scene during that era, Sir Ian emphasized the difficulties and limitations they faced.
In addition to his work on the sitcom, Sir Ian McKellen has been highly acclaimed in the world of cinema. He has appeared in blockbuster movies, such as “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit.” In the upcoming X-Men movie, he reprises his role as Magneto, alongside his good friend Patrick Stewart, who portrays Professor Xavier.
Sir Ian’s talent and versatility as an actor have undoubtedly contributed to his success. His exceptional stage performances have earned him a renowned reputation, and his transition to the world of cinema has been equally impressive. As an avid fan of comic books, Sir Ian expressed his excitement about being part of the X-Men franchise and the opportunity to bring comic book stories to life on the big screen.
As the interview concluded, Jonathan Ross playfully discussed the upcoming wedding of Patrick Stewart. Sir Ian jokingly mentioned that he would be officiating the wedding ceremony in Massachusetts, as he did for a civil partnership in the UK. He playfully suggested that he might wear a striking gown or something equally attention-grabbing.
The episode featuring Sir Ian McKellen‘s appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show is set to air soon, promising an entertaining and memorable conversation. With his charisma and rich acting background, Sir Ian never fails to captivate audiences, both on and off the screen.
