Ian McKellen: A Biography

by Mark Barratt

Sir Ian McKellen has appeared in theaters, on television, and film screens since the 1960s. Now, with his parts in the first two X-Men films and the phenomenally successful Lord of the Rings trilogy, he is known worldwide. This fully up-to-date biography includes new interviews and covers McKellen's childhood, his time at Cambridge University with Trevor Nunn and Derek Jacobi, roles in plays such as Henry V and The Seagull , Macbeth at the RSC, Broadway, and running The Actors' Company and the McKellen/Petherbridge Company. Also covering McKellen's advocacy of gay issues and his opinions against war, it gives a well-rounded view of one of Britain's greatest stage and screen actors.

Genres: Biography, Biography Memoir

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've respected and admired Ian McKellan since he played Richard III in 1995. His performance was so enigmatic that I followed his career for years. When this book came out, I quickly read it and wasn't disappointed. It's good to feel connected to actors you enjoy watching and having a book complement those feelings is top notch! A good, quick read with excellent background, commentary and fun. You almost forget you are reading a biography.

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[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

As it's a biography (as opposed to an autobiography), it covers events as best it can using quotes from interviews. It does tend to slip into speculation here and there. I feel it lacks a little something by not including any photos. Still, in the absence of an autobiography, if you're interested in knowing more about Ian McKellen's start in life and his work, it's worth a look.

[Katharine Holden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fair read. Not much atmospheric detail of the eras.