'I'm not a fool; I won't be acting for much longer': 84-year-old Sir Ian McKellen on leaving acting

(27 Sep 2023)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
London, 27 September 2023
1. SOUNDBITE (English) Sir Ian McKellen, actor:
"I don't think I look back very much. The highlight at the moment for me is turning up here at 7:30 every night, matinées on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and doing the show. I'm very, very grateful that I, to chance that I can still do it. And I'm not a fool - I don't think I, I won't be acting for much longer, so I'm not looking to be in a musical any longer or do a world tour or something any longer. I quite like living at home, in my own bed, within striking distance of the theater."
(Reporter: "But I can't imagine you stopping.")
"Can't you?"
(Reporter: "Your schedule is so packed. Don't you want to sit in the Grapes (the pub McKellen co-owns) and put your feet up and have a glass of wine?")
"No, I'm not very good putting my feet up, no."
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[@rieJW]

Bless him, thank this man for providing generations with quality performances (and my childhood with LOTR)

[@KINGTJFPS]

I second that❤❤❤❤ legend

[@kayboi619]

We will miss Gandalf his work is great.

[@NHatemN]

I loved his performance in Harry Potter.

[@laisensei6984]

@@NHatemN Ok, dude, check again, because he definitely did NOT play Dumbledore. Many people made this mistake.

[@mjl11]

And Magneto in Xmen

[@borednbearded]

To see a man coming to terms with age and the inevitability of it all... Despite the clear sadness behind his eyes, is so inspiring. It reaches us all eventually and whether you regret it or not, the best thing to do is to accept it and embrace a calm, peaceful twilight of your life. Incredible respect to Sir Ian and everything he's done for the world, within acting and outside of it.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Every circle begins with its end. Reflection is key. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ "Before I start, I must see my end. Destination known, my mind's journey now begins. Upon my chariot, heart and soul's fate revealed. In time, all points converge, hope's strength resteeled. But to earn final peace at the universe's endless refrain, we must see all in nothingness... before we start again." 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ --Diamond Dragons (series)

[@RealEllenDeGeneres]

Made me tear up seeing him pause like that. Usually when you get to that age, you've already lost your energy and passion to do things. But with him, his passion and mind are 100% there, but his body just won't allow it.

[@cupcakemcsparklebutt9051]

​@@RealEllenDeGeneresexplain please I don't understand

[@different_stuff]

I don't think you can truly embrace it unless you believe in afterlife. If you don't believe, then you can rather just ignore these thoughts and stray away from them.

[@jful]

@@different_stuff If you don't believe in an afterlife, all the more reason to embrace this one. Every moment is precious when this is all you have so relish and enjoy it rather than waste time disconnected from it.

[@chickenindoubleC]

Sir McKellen is unmatched in class, charm, gravitas, and warmth. His presence is unbelievable. What a legend.

[@p0tat0_Child]

This man is a legend like many others. Sir Ian McKellen, Thank you for all the wonderful performance's

[@lethalwolf7455]

Thank you for Magneto Sir

[@LordEmperorHyperion]

He's Gandalf the White

[@ardour1587]

@@LordEmperorHyperion Agreed. LoTR is a cinematic miracle to me. X-men is a junk food.

[@thedisabledwelshman9266]

@@ardour1587 no. x men is just junk.

[@wolverineiscool7161]

@@ardour1587 Atleast Xmen is frickin cool. Lotr is stupid magic fantasy shit.

[@MillerTheOriginal]

​@@wolverineiscool7161your never allowed to watch cinema again

[@StefanWinchester]

This man is a legend and a very good person i wish him nothing but happiness for the rest of his days

[@josephkato6678]

You sir I wish you live a long life, and thanks for all the great memories❤

[@fistan5447]

I will never forget his performance as Gandalf. That role alone seared him in movie history, in fact, whenever i feel down, i think to myself i should rewatch the Lord of the Rings, and it helps, alot. Thank you for everything Sir Ian, I hope you'll still do what you loved to do all these decades, while you still have energy to do so.

[@virtualsnake1994]

THIS MAN'S SOUL IS WORTH MILLIONS. SO MUCH BEAUTY AND WISDOM IN THAT BRAIN.

[@crisfirestar4857]

We love you Sir Ian, so very very much ❤

[@nikoshurricane]

What a character. Sir Ian Mckellen will always live inside us. I just hope he knows the impact he has had on so many people

[@phoenix21studios]

wild to think about how influential simple actors are.

[@tomnorton4277]

@@phoenix21studios Anthony Hopkins has spoken about this "I'm just an actor. What do I know?" That attitude is precisely why people love him, on top of his powerful onscreen presence and charisma.

[@ciscomoto]

A gentleman of class and a quality that is seemingly rarer as time goes on. A soul of stage, screen both large and small who gifts us with performances larger than life itself. I bid you a full recovery sir and many days and nights twixt your bed and the theatre you love so much. Thank you for your art.

[@sonego9882]

I'm so lucky to have been able to see him first row play in the Mother goose show last year, for the first time, and I'm flying again to see him in Player Kings next month. Grabbing all the chances I can get before he retires.

[@SagaLarton]

BEST IN THE WORLD. Great skill, power and Grace. Love his movies.

[@nex-ex5100]

We love you Sir Ian!

[@ChrisJohnson-x1x]

Sean Connery retired from acting, and he enjoyed his retirement for 18 years, where he did no interviews or made any public appearances (including award ceremonies). If this Man retired from acting, and enjoyed his privacy, I would not blame him.

[@Nick-rs5if]

Thank you, Sir Ian. You gave some of the greatest performances in cinema history. I hope his time is good, and that life has treated him well. 😊

[@ValentinasWatching]

Sir.... please take care of yourself! I can't imagine the day he's not with us anymore 😢 What a legend!

[@rexywexystudios]

You are a legend

[@artwithsaya]

This man has made our lives so much better with his amazing performances. Sir Ian McKellen is THE BEST human being ever❤. Best wishes ahead.

[@budte]

Reasonable, rational...legendary.

[@stephenconway2468]

We are lucky to have him. As long as he wants then there will be a happy audience.

[@ryanlapeer4230]

You my good sire, have provided many great performances over the years and I am grateful for the parts you have played. Ian is a legend and one of the few actors that can make me think that if he is in it, then I know it's gonna either be good or at least something entertaining to watch thank you.

[@flynnoflenniken7402]

Still seems very sharp and well spoken. He's clearly taken good care of himself. When his health finally fails it'll probably be a quick deterioration with minimal suffering that'll take people by surprise, but hopefully that won't be for years to come.

[@mrwakacorp]

Bless this man. May he find all he seeks.

[@shycher8146]

I'm glad he's still Ok and Well.

[@freshcakes-us3qs]

Thank you Ian 🙏🏼

[@dan11596]

One of the greats in my eyes, fond memories from my favourite movie as Gandalf, there won't be another like him.

[@staypuft3120]

Respectable person. Good Actor.

[@thecreativearcadebyhiro]

You are forever our Magneto, our Gandalf... our Legend.

[@lunarious87]

I'll pray for you ... Thanks for you autonomous co-operation :) 👍

[@hamilton_reacts]

He will always be in my heart as the Great Magneto...

[@martine2651]

Such a sharp mind and charisma. Inspiring. Reminds me of Leonard Cohen.

[@The_Story_Of_Us]

Love this fellow, it’ll be a shame to see him retire. It would be pretty cool to see him as Gandalf one more time in Hunt For Gollum, seeing as how Serkis and Jackson are on board. I would like to see that chunk of the story play out before he sends Frodo to Bree, where he seeks out Gollum and learns that he told The Nine under torture where to find the ring.

[@killer3000ad]

I remember Christopher Lee's final video farewell he recorded when he knew he didn't have much time left. Seeing Ian talking with the realisation that his time in this stage is coming to an end really saddens me that we will be losing another of the LOTR greats.

[@supereldinho]

The man already has a portfolio that would be the envy of most other actors. As far as I'm concerned, he's earned his rest ages ago. Whatever his decision, I wish him only the best.

[@Bartbarian96]

Thanks, Gandalf ❤

[@KidnapSix]

Rockstar for acting, thank you for all you have done. I hope you retire and enjoy the rest my friend. Do what you want to do.

[@scotthix2297]

Having met him onstage in 1974 (McKellan on Shakespeare) I can’t help but feel what a void he will leave. He and Dench…but they deserve to have all the love and time to themselves… we’ll see them again on Graham Norton.😊

[@erikjames3361]

I love Ian McKellen soooooo freaking much!!! So much respect and love to this most talented performer ❤❤❤ such an honestly fantastic range from hero to villain and everything in between. I hope I age as handsomely and with perhaps a modicum of the grace with which this absolute legend comports himself ❤❤❤

[@optimistic5778]

Total legend

[@adorablealien1870]

He’s a true legend of an actor. It really is an honor to be living and breathing during the same time as him. ❤️🥺 Thank you so much Mr. Mckellen for everything. We love you!

[@CHITECHDUDE]

Great actor, enjoy your retirement, you long deserved it and you will always be cherished for your work in theater and movies! God Bless!

[@zachcouch8654]

You have done enough. Thank you.

[@BADASSATRON127]

Thank you Magneto

[@davidhodges1153]

Do whatever you think is best. Thank you for everything Ian McKellen. For everything 🥲😢

[@Cat-ml2gk]

I am an actor and professor because of Sir Ian. Thank you for your enormous contributions.

[@DGDShadowMemoria]

Thank you as always Ian McKellen.🙏 You are always to me my Magneto!

[@Marksman3434]

One of the greatest British thespians of our time. Will be sad when he has to stop performing, whether by his own choice or not

[@FriscoFatseas]

My favorite actor of all time, just really was profound every time i watched him for me

[@rokzul5577]

Hey Ian, enjoy success and retirement You have been Magneto and Gandalf and other iconic characters. You have had a great acting career and thanks for making my childhood great. I remember watching Lord of the Rings and X-men in theaters in the 2000's.

[@RaptorJesus.]

i don't blame him wanting to quit and avoiding a world tour, adventures are nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! enjoy your rest Sir Gandalf!

[@deathgun_2xero670]

Godbless thank you for your work 😊

[@user-km4gl3ru5t]

Fellow Thespian speaking! Life is too short! I am truly grateful to have experienced Sir Ian's performances in my lifetime. I for one don't suppose there's ever been a better Gandalf on screen, nor shall be after! To me, that means a lot because Gandalf is one of my favorite characters ever imagined and written. I can't think about Ian without thinking about Gandalf because he was just perfect, portraying the role. He has talent and heart. I think that may be why he's an official 'Sir' and I sincerely wish him well even if acting won't be his career forever. The memories and inspiration are timeless. We all grow old. It's inevitable. Yet, wow! This man is an artist and I would Knight him too! IF I was an Englishman.

[@tino9117]

Thank you for giving us such an amazing Magneto and Gandalf, we love you man and your legacy is already cemented that it'll live on forever

[@stege9979]

All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you. And you have done so quite well.

[@MrMisanthrope84]

Oh man, he's 5 years older than my grandad when he died. Its easy to forget how much older everyone else can get so quickly. 😢

[@_SYDGAMING_]

Thank you, Ian, for a wonderful childhood watching your movies

[@retroman5432]

I know that this is a little early to write this message towards Ian McKellen, but if you somehow pass away soon, thank you for being one of the most iconic Actors in history, especially your performance as Magneto and Gandalf. I couldn't really imagine where I would end up if it wasn't for watching all of your performances throughout the years. And I hope that future generations are able to see how much effort you put just for everyone to smile and laugh on screens. Thank you, Ian McKellen. And may God send you straight to Heaven. Amen. 🙏

[@davidhodges1153]

A word without the great sir. Ian McKellen, i can't bare to imagine it 😢

[@yesthatmousyiris4887]

He's a great man and actor bless his heart. I hope his twilight years will be full of happiness and peace he deserves it for all of his hard work.

[@alanodonnell4788]

He's been in so many great movies after all these years. And he was a legend to and he dose. Deserve a rest to and relax.

[@MrRamenNoodles69420]

The best magneto thank you for bringing his character to life

[@thelordoftheweebs9501]

I love this legend

[@camerontungate]

An incredible human being I wish the absolute best. He is a beautiful icon.

[@abdizur8765]

Ian is and forever will be one badass MFer. 🤘😎

[@maxling]

i hope we can see him one more time as gandalf. i wish him that, and i wish us that...

[@rossmunley6489]

Goodbye King, I’m glad you were able to bow out gracefully. Thank you for everything

[@tomnorton4277]

He hasn't quit yet. I think Ian McKellen's got a few more roles left in him. Probably not big franchises like Lord of the Rings anymore but I can see him doing smaller movies like John Hurt and Christopher Lee did at the end of their lives.

[@OfficialAshArcher]

Ian is the epitome of class, grace, dignity and charisma. We’re all blessed for having watched him on the screen

[@lalaninja006]

I hope people show appreciation while he is still with us, a lot of the time it comes to late

[@sciencefantastic]

I mean, at 84, he's done very well. I think at that point, I'd be okay with just chilling out and spending the last few years I have left in peace.

[@bionic_bat]

He deserves a great rest and peaceful end to such an amazing life and career. He has done so much for his audience and fans. Bless Sir Ian McKellen. Long life and good health to him and his family.

[@dantelenister3503]

I really don't think he should stop, I get that its more and more tiring at his age but its literally keeping him alive. Old people usually die quickly after they give up some sort of purpose in their live.

[@theoink636]

Thank you sir, for giving us the best wizard we could have ever asked for.

[@simlee6177]

I watched McKellan a few years ago doing "Lear" in the West End. At the end of the performance, there was the usual crowd of fans waiting outside the stage door. Sir Ian emerged along with a security guard, presumably to accompany him to his car or to the Tube. Despite the fact that he must have been exhausted at the end of this 3-hour play (where he was physically rained on for the entire "storm on the heath" scene, in this production) he calmly and unhurriedly wended his way through the fans - shaking a hand here, signing a program there; all smiles and humility - no sign of any "megastar airs" whatsoever. That comes across in his appearances on Graham Norton as well. His performance in the 1995 Richard Loncraine "RIchard III" film was what turned me from being a fan of Shakespeare into a total devotee of Shakespeare. Sir Ian: thank you for sharing your enormous talent (nay, genius) with the world, and for being the amazing human being you are.

[@tomnorton4277]

The man is a living legend. And he will remain a legend after he dies. Ian' McKellen's legacy is already firmly established, so if he wants to retire and enjoy his final years like Michael Caine decided to do, he's got a vast body of work for people to remember him by.

[@mral6809]

Loved him in the first thing I had ever seen him in which was "The Scarlet Pimpernel" 1982. He played the fool like a master.

[@romancapulus5577]

Ian knowing he won’t be around for much longer reminds me of a quote from Puss in Boots. “I know I can never defeat you, Lobo. But I will never stop fighting for this life.” It will truly be a painful day to lose another legend

[@gshockbabe6144]

We love you whatever your decision,Ian.

[@123RADIOactive]

I just wish I could shake his hand and thank him for years of dedication in the entertainment industry.

[@9Allien9]

Legend. ♥

[@Varkism]

Magneto, Gandalf. Such Legendary roles by a Legendary actor.

[@marcuscarana9240]

I love him so much as Magneto. He nailed that role so well.

[@loggins2182001]

He did very well in his roles.

[@psquiddy0627]

Such a legend

[@mst4705]

WHAT A LEGEND!

[@RH1812]

Bless him. Great individual

[@neweyes2947]

You’ve plenty for us thank sir Ian

[@DrDolan2000]

Movies won't be the same without him - but especially theater

[@Noobmasterr44]

Wonderful actor with remarkable behavevior

[@hagnerplaylists]

Lovely.

[@LameMule]

I do not look forward to the day this man officially stops. I do not look forward to the end of his entire generation's theater actors putting on their last performance. But oh, how I have loved it all. Excellence and beauty, the lot of them.

[@MatthewPotwardowski]

This man is a treasure

[@rageaxis9777]

Now just imagine these two behind closed doors! Sickening.

[@CrashNTheBoys2002]

He could put his talents to voice acting, much less demanding on the body.

[@falkohehl8769]

Thank you, Gandalf the Grey and White.

[@Tezorus]

Someday, he'll take a boat at Mithlond and sail into the light. On that day there will be tears but also smile, remembering all the joy Sir McKellen broight into our hearts.

[@Reaper-b4s]

He is a legend among legends

[@enomisv9830]

It was already a heavy blow losing sir Christopher Lee. Then Bernard Hill. Soon, sir Ian Mckellen. The joy of being born at a time when the lord of the rings movies exists comes with the pain of knowing you'll watch each actor pass away until there's none left.

[@tomnorton4277]

John Hurt was a hard one for me. I loved him in Day of the Doctor, which was the role that made me a fan of the guy. However, I wish he'd swapped places with Peter Capaldi and shown that whippersnapper how to do the "Am I a good man?" character arc properly. Capaldi belonged in the Time War. Hurt should have been the final Doctor. I also saw Hurt in 1984 a few months ago. The torture scenes with Richard Burton at the end were uncomfortable to watch.

[@LeandroBrandao543]

Eterno Magneto

[@NerdAdventurer85]

That wink. That's usually a sign your conversation with the older generation's going well. 😂 Bless him.