When you were on stage, you could be absolutely open about your emotions and indulge them and express yourself in a way that - in real life - I wasn't doing.
Ian MckellenMy acting stopped being about disguise and became about truth which suits the camera, so my film career took off when I came out.
Ian MckellenIt was wrongly assumed that I wished to become some sort of leader among gay activists, whereas in reality I was happier to be a foot soldier.
Ian MckellenMost of the time when you do a job, a play or a film, you're wondering, "Will there be an audience?"
Ian MckellenI have never wanted to be typecast, one of those actors who plays a variation on a one-note theme. So just as I enjoy playing a wide variety of characters, from good to bad to ugly to cute - so I have enjoyed of late working in film and television, as well as in theatres of various sizes and shapes.
Ian Mckellen