Ian McKellen
(1939-), ActorSir Ian Murray McKellen
Sitter in 20 portraits
Widely regarded as one of the leading actors of his generation, McKellen has played numerous leads in classical and modern repertoire in theatres worldwide. Born in Burnley and educated at Cambridge University, he made his London debut in A Scent of Flowers (1964). His stage performances, particularly of Shakespeare, are legendary and include title roles in Much Ado About Nothing (1962), Henry V (1963), Richard II (1969) and Macbeth, in which he played opposite Judi Dench (1976-7). McKellen was nominated for Academy Awards for his performances in the films Gods and Monsters (1998) and Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03). In 1991 he was knighted for his services to performing arts. McKellen is a campaigner for LGBT+ rights and co-founder of Stonewall; the UK and Europe's largest LGBT+ rights organisation.
by Lord Snowdon
gelatin silver print, 10 January 1992
NPG P1898
by Clive Smith
oil on canvas, 2001-2002
NPG 6610
by Mary McCartney
chromogenic print, 2008
NPG P1358
by Patrick Lichfield
archival inkjet print, October 1969
NPG x128482
by Michael Peto
modern bromide print from original negative, December 1969
NPG x137679
by Unknown photographer
gelatin silver print, circa 1970
NPG x198523
by Godfrey Argent
bromide print, 18 September 1970
NPG x32551
Sir John Hurt as 'Stephen Ward' and Ian McKellen as 'John Profumo' in 'Scandal'
by Trevor Leighton
bromide print, 10 December 1988
NPG x35320
by Trevor Leighton
bromide print, 24 July 1989
NPG x35351
by Trevor Leighton
bromide print, 24 July 1989
NPG x35350
by Trevor Leighton
bromide print, 24 July 1989
NPG x35348
by Trevor Leighton
bromide print, 24 July 1989
NPG x35349
by Trevor Leighton
bromide print, 7 March 1990
NPG x35302
by Cecil Beaton
pencil, late 1960s-early 1970s
NPG D17941(1)
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