![Mckellenx390](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/mckellenx390.jpg?id=32724179&width=1200&height=876)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Sir Ian McKellen, one of the most acclaimed performers in the English-speaking world, initially became an actor to meet other gay people, according to an interview with Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. The 70-year-old Oscar-nominated star of films such as Gods and Monsters, who also has a lengthy resume of stage performances, says in the interview, portions of which are translated on the website ContactMusic, that he felt isolated as a young man and thought he might meet other gay people if he embarked on a career in the theater.
McKellen came out publicly as gay in 1988, which he reveals his agent at the time warned him against doing. "I'm not urging anyone to do the same, but the alternative option is horrible: lies, fear, secrecy," he says. "Every self-confessed homosexual I have met assured me his coming out was the best decision of his life."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Here are the 25 transgender Americans lost to violence so far this year
September 04 2024 3:35 PM
Ben Platt marries Noah Galvin in New York celebration
September 04 2024 3:15 PM
53 years ago, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell became the first same-sex couple to wed
September 04 2024 2:27 PM
Even Republicans are against Tennessee’s trans health ban
September 04 2024 1:05 PM
And they're off! 8 things to watch for as the 2024 presidential election kicks into high gear
September 04 2024 10:00 AM
Tim Walz to honor LGBTQ+ community at Human Rights Campaign National Dinner (exclusive)
September 04 2024 9:00 AM
A Virginia college bans transgender students — based on language from the year 1900
September 04 2024 5:39 AM
Harris campaign, others call out Trump for holding events in towns with racist histories
September 04 2024 4:57 AM
Candace Owens claims TikTok makes men gay and causes women to hate them
September 03 2024 6:27 PM
16 LGBTQ+ movies & TV shows to watch in September 2024
September 03 2024 4:21 PM
Transphobic Texas Democrat finds home for bigotry in state Republican Party
September 03 2024 4:07 PM
Trans sprinter Valentina Petrillo loses at Paralympics, then delivers heartfelt message to her son
September 03 2024 3:54 PM
Praying the gay away didn't work, but loving myself did
September 03 2024 1:45 PM