Ian McKellen Urges Young Actors to Come Out: “Being in the Closet Is Silly”

In a straightforward manner, Sir Ian McKellen encourages young actors who are hiding their true identities to come out boldly and live openly. The revered actor, renowned for his memorable roles on screen and stage, is advocating this change without reservation. He firmly believes that in today’s world, there’s no need to remain hidden.

Ian McKellen, who openly declared himself gay at the age of 48 back in 1988 amid a contentious UK law against promoting homosexuality, shares insights from his personal journey. Contrary to fears, his revelation didn’t hinder but rather expanded opportunities for him. He subsequently brought iconic characters like Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings and Magneto in the X-Men series to life, demonstrating that authenticity never dulls one’s shine.

He strongly believes in the advantages of coming out. “I’ve never encountered anyone who regretted doing so,” he states, encouraging young actors to rely on their intuition instead of conservative guidance. To him, staying secretive hinders growth, both personally and professionally. “Being in the closet is nonsensical – it serves no purpose. Disregard your advisors … listen to your heart … Come out. Embrace the sunlight,” he advises, speaking with conviction, having experienced it himself.

Ian McKellen advises young actors to openly acknowledge their sexuality — “Keeping secrets about one’s identity is foolish”

In other words, he encourages them to express who they truly are and embrace the openness, as he has never encountered anyone who regretted coming out. He suggests ignoring advice from others and instead following their heart’s guidance. Essentially, he urges them to step into the light and be open about their sexuality.

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Instead of merely voicing support, this 85-year-old celebrity has actively walked the walk. Upon revealing his identity, he co-founded Stonewall – a pioneering organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. He’s also been a steadfast supporter of peers like Elliot Page and JoJo Siwa in their personal journeys. Moreover, he has embraced gay roles in his work, such as the sitcom Vicious alongside Derek Jacobi, demonstrating how openness significantly improved his professional endeavors.

Sir McKellen notices an absence in Hollywood and beyond. To date, there hasn’t been an openly gay man who’s won the Best Actor Oscar, a detail he finds intriguing. He draws a parallel to England’s Premier League, where senior footballers haven’t publicly come out either. However, he remains hopeful – the individual who shatters that mold could rise to international fame, with companies eagerly vying for their endorsement.

The advice he’s giving isn’t fresh – he’s been expressing this viewpoint for quite some time now. In a 2015 conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, he referred to the closet as a ‘dusty and skeleton-filled place.’ More recently, in an interview with The Times, he reiterates his stance, urging actors to conquer their fear and embrace openness. To Sir Ian McKellen, living honestly is always better than hiding.

We mustn’t overlook his remarkable life story. Born in 1939 in the industrial town of Burnley, England, he spent his formative years amidst the tumult of wartime. He then captivated audiences on stage and eventually made a name for himself in films. A tragic fall during a West End play in 2024 left him with injuries, but he’s already looking forward to reprising his role as Gandalf in “The Hunt for Gollum,” scheduled for release in December 2027. His career is proof that coming out didn’t hinder him; instead, it gave him the drive and determination to continue shining.

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2025-03-10 14:14