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If you've been in a film that's seen by millions and millions and millions of people, you're more likely to be recognized for that than for your theater performances, which were seen by considerably less people. Why would I get upset by that?
Ian Mckellen -
I don't make any distinction between a popular TV series or blockbuster film and doing Shakespeare. They're different, but as long as the material is good and the intention is honourable, it's all the same to me.
Ian Mckellen
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I'm not being offered a constant stream of wonderful parts with wonderful directors that would keep me away from the theatre. When they turn up, I do them.
Ian Mckellen -
Try and understand what part you have to play in the world in which you live. There's more to life than you know and it's all happening out there. Discover what part you can play and then go for it.
Ian Mckellen -
Anyone who thinks Peter Jackson would fall for market forces around him rather than artistic integrity doesn't know the guy or the body of his work.
Ian Mckellen -
What I particularly like about Broadway is the camaraderie and the friendship of other people in other shows. Everybody knows you're opening and cares about you. There's a real village atmosphere.
Ian Mckellen -
Quakers are terrific.
Ian Mckellen -
I'm only an actor. I'm not a writer. I'm not going to leave any legacy. All I've ever done is learn the lines and say them.
Ian Mckellen
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Why not celebrate those who want to marry and bring up a family?
Ian Mckellen -
Eventually, before I die, I hope to have written about every part I've played.
Ian Mckellen -
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 Mckellen -
Capitalism offers you freedom, but far from giving people freedom, it enslaves them.
Ian Mckellen -
You mustn't upstage the bride.
Ian Mckellen -
I'm fortunate to be famous for two rather imposing characters like Magneto and Gandalf.
Ian Mckellen
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Godot is whatever it is in life that you are waiting for: 'I'm waiting to win the lottery. I'm waiting to fall in love'. For me, as a child, it was Christmas. At least that eventually came.
Ian Mckellen -
I have got prostate cancer, and I have to keep monitoring that. It's no problem, it's under control and I'm very cool about it, but other people are dying from it.
Ian Mckellen -
There are some fantastic parts for older actors.
Ian Mckellen -
When I appeared in 'Coronation Street,' I lived in Manchester and enjoyed it very much.
Ian Mckellen -
The wonderful thing about modern medicine is that so many of these complaints that used to signify old age and decline can be coped with.
Ian Mckellen -
One thing Middle-earth is short on is the feminine.
Ian Mckellen
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You won't hear me talk about my politics, you won't hear me talk about my vegetarianism, you won't hear me comment on the Iraq war. You'll only hear me talk about being gay and being an actor. I am just public on those two issues.
Ian Mckellen -
I don't make much distinction between being a stand-up comic and acting Shakespeare - in fact, unless you're a good comedian, you're never going to be able to play Hamlet properly.
Ian Mckellen -
People on television have trouble with fame because audiences think they're their mates.
Ian Mckellen -
I'm not quite as cool as I would like to be, really.
Ian Mckellen