Sir Ian McKellen is now officially 83 years old!
The English actor was born on May 25, 1939, in Burnley, United Kingdom. The 5’11” actor has won many accolades for both his theater and film roles over the years, which include the “Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men” franchises.
In 1980, McKellen was knighted in the 1980 New Year Honors for services to the performing arts. He was also made a Companion of Honor for services to drama and equality in the 2008 New Year Honors. In 1988, McKellen came out as gay and has been a champion for LGBTQ+ social movements around the globe. In October 2014, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his activism.
‘Lord Of The Rings’ Fans Wish Sir Ian McKellen A Happy Birthday!
Happy 83r birthday to Sir Ian McKellen, our wandering wizard Gandalf! pic.twitter.com/WjF7Az4aeX
— Perfect Middle Earth shots (@MiddleShots) May 25, 2022
A Lord of the Rings fan account paid tribute to his birthday by wishing a happy 83rd birthday to “our wandering wizard, Gandalf!”
Happy 83rd Birthday to Sir Ian McKellen 🎂 pic.twitter.com/FAiIoMoi1R
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) May 25, 2022
Culture Crave wished him a happy birthday by sharing two photos of him side-by-side in two of his most memorable roles.
Happy Birthday to the legend that is Sir Ian McKellen, who turns 83 today.
The man is both Gandalf AND Magneto, what more needs to be said? pic.twitter.com/pJZB9XUQun
— LADbible (@ladbible) May 25, 2022
LADbible also paid tribute to his two most memorable roles, paying tribute to both Gandalf and Magneto.
You shall not scroll past this tweet without wishing Sir Ian McKellen a happy birthday. #LordOfTheRings #TheHobbit #MiddleEarth pic.twitter.com/Pt16SwY8nw
— WarnerBrosUK (@WarnerBrosUK) May 25, 2022
The Warner Bros. U.K. Twitter account also couldn’t pass up a chance to wish him a happy birthday!
More Birthday Wishes Roll In For The Terrific Talent!
Happy birthday @IanMcKellen 🎉🧡 pic.twitter.com/qqcBDfBuVI
— National Theatre (@NationalTheatre) May 25, 2022
The National Theatre also paid tribute to Ian McKellen’s birthday by posting a three-minute video clip of one of his performances.
“I don’t make much distinction between being a stand-up comic and acting William Shakespeare – in fact, unless you’re a good comedian, you’re never going to be able to play Hamlet properly.”
Happy birthday to my favourite wizard, the wonderful Ian McKellen!🎉❤️#BOTD 🎂 pic.twitter.com/odEWhJPYVm
— Saya1307 (@saya1307) May 25, 2022
Another fan wished “my favourite wizard” a happy birthday and shared a quote that read, “I don’t make much distinction between being a stand-up comic and acting William Shakespeare – in fact, unless you’re a good comedian, you’re never going to be able to play Hamlet properly.”
A very happy birthday to the wonderful Ian McKellen! Deeply beloved, both as man and artist.
“Try and understand what part you have to play in the world in which you live…Discover what part you can play and then go for it.”
“Acting is a very big part of what human beings do.” pic.twitter.com/fQk1LZWqmX— Steven Isserlis (@StevenIsserlis) May 25, 2022
Another fan shared two quotes from the esteemed actor, with one saying, “Try and understand what part you have to play in the world in which you live…Discover what part you can play and then go for it.” The other said, “Acting is a very big part of what human beings do.”
Happy, happy birthday @IanMcKellen ! Thank you for being an amazing, generous and kind patron. Sending love from all of us at #FFLAG ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 pic.twitter.com/DYUtR484Fa
— FFLAG (@OfficialFFLAG) May 25, 2022
The FFLAG organization also paid tribute to his birthday, thanking him for being an “amazing, generous, and kind patron.”
Here’s wishing a happy 83rd birthday to the great Sir Ian McKellen, with many more to come!
