Ian Mckellen An Unofficial Biography

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.

Ian McKellen was catapulted to international superstardom by the phenomenal success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and there has never been a better time to assess the life and career of one of the world's greatest stage and screen actors. From acting with the Royal Shakespeare Company on Broadway to a TV and film career spanning the past four decades, it also includes McKellen's work as a gay activist to give a well-rounded view of the man behind the screen persona.

Mark Barratt is an actor, drama teacher, and writer. He is the author of novels and radio plays for children and adults.