Ian McKellen on Coming Out

Ian McKellen talked about coming out, saying, "I've never met a gay person who's regretted coming out."
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[@Craft1nat0rGTAV]

I remember someone asking Ian "What age did you realize you were gay?" and Ian answered back "Well the age you realized you weren't gay"

[@vikkicarr3255]

I Don’t except the lifestyle however he’s one hell of an actor❤️

[@freyrapollo]

@@vikkicarr3255 Nobody asked.

[@jokertheinsaneclown3136]

@@vikkicarr3255 wtf

[@saswatagupta5288]

@@vikkicarr3255 Lifestyle??? 🙄wtf!

[@pateris]

@@vikkicarr3255 Don't worry, the lifestyle don't accept people like you either…

[@ComingOutBuddy]

"I've never met a gay person who has regretted coming out" ... he nailed it!! PERFECTO!!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

read it as MAGNETO

[@latronqui]

a lot of comments saying "I don't care if he's gay". I actually do care, I think him being gay and being out and inspiring other people to do the same and contribute to make the world a safer place for future generations of gay people is a big part of his awesomeness.

[@eukaris18]

Perv e r

[@dr.vikyll7466]

​@@eukaris18 Drep deg selv. (Translate from norwegian)

[@leonardocozzitorto2579]

You are supposed to consider him a normal person Just like everybody being gay Is not a difference

[@19cosmo91]

I've known he was gay since I was about 14-15. He was in a movie with Brendan Fraser where he played an gay military veteran. It made me look up interviews where he spoke on the role, his sexuality, and how the role impacted him. I'm 23 now by the way.

[@19cosmo91]

Bloke Poppy 6 years old, I didn't accept it till I was around 17.

[@trevpurofan9496]

Is Gods & Monsters the movie with Fraser?

[@Fafinyr]

Love it your commentary, i'm 23 now and discovery about his sexuality today... weird sensation 😅

[@rewona7898]

I think it's amazing a guy like him, is true about his sexuality and i really admire his Work. Also he's a great icon for homosexuals. Nobody should be judged by their sexuality :(

[@pateris]

"I am gay like I have blue eyes" - Jean Genet.

[@mrmarten9385]

A very inspirational person.

[@ferryfabulous7250]

Coming out where pufter! Old bag. Suffering from identity crisis that is all I can say.

[@bwebb90]

@@ferryfabulous7250 That is indeed all you can say, pathetic

[@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge]

in the late 1990s, a law in England forbid homosexuality to be discussed in school. Sir Mckellen fought against that, meeting with the minister who put it out and asking him to take it off. The minister refused but asked Ian for an autograph. Ian accepted and wrote : "Fuck off, I'm gay"... so uch class from this man!

[@itsnargizz]

how do you know this?

[@IcelandicBeast]

Gandalf isn't gay. Sir Ian Mckellen is gay.

[@ida305]

But do you KNOW?

[@imanis.h.8431]

Ida Danzig clearly he's not since Tolkien was very conservative and religious as an author.

[@Angie_suv]

Imani S. H. But do you KNOW?

[@thedillon131]

jesus christ dude calm down lol

[@bitchplease7436]

I have not read the books but i think if anything Gandalf is asexual. Correct me if Im wrong but the Istari are beings sent to middle earth to "guide the people" or to protect it, so they took the form of old wise men. Having them be asexual would benefit their task as they would not have the need or accedently fall in love which would only weigh on them and could distract them from their task.

[@immaculateboy]

We love you Ian McKellen.

[@RCSVirginia]

I am sure that having the actor who played the Wizard Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" movies being gay in real life has caused a lot of the fans of the movies to come around to become supporters of gay rights. Well done, Ian McKellan! This video goes on my "Coming Out As Gay" KZbin Playlist.

[@MrBurkistan]

This has to be the most incredibly freeing video I have ever witnessed, as a fellow homosexual. To hear these words coming out of an actor such as Ian McKellen - that supposedly would live his private life 'according to the norm'. But no, something about him admitting to this took such a huge weight off my shoulders!

[@pateris]

And in such a matter-of-fact way !

[@atlkid313]

It doesn't matter if he's gay he is a legendary actor and I give him the utmost respect. I loved his roles as Magneto made me respect him more

[@lanivelazquez5308]

there are so many homophobes here and it makes me sad. Ian is amazing.

[@magicsteve5523]

How dare they insult our king! 🏳️‍🌈🇬🇧

[@pateris]

Homophobia sucks goats bollocks…

[@Xcoolydiego]

Homophobe is just a made up word lmao grow up

[@lanivelazquez5308]

@@Xcoolydiego i believe you are the one who needs to grow up, and maybe educate yourself a bit.

[@benbutton5835]

@@Xcoolydiego surely every word is a made up word? And even if it isn’t ‘real’ the phenomenon it represents certainly is.

[@Phaze252]

So it's only women who, "SHALL NOT PASS" for Mckellen :D

[@TrueMakerHD]

hahaha sinscribe me

[@gustavramirez2891]

Oh my gosh... Brilliant one, mate!!! XD lol

[@cheesecakelasagna]

Phaze252 *nice*

[@ZachariahGreggs]

I just LOVE Ian McKellen he's brave and proud.

[@basedbattledroid3507]

I admire his bravery and fortitude though, it's incredibly hard to imagine being gay around the time Ian grew up.

[@bigphil2695]

Gandalf the Gay.

[@VinEllis]

bigphil2695 huehuehue

[@d.n.3652]

Lol I was thinking the same thing

[@LoneTaurus82]

I was just thinking that to myself lol very ironic that when you take out the R you get that.

[@vankk7356]

his performance as gandalf was so powerful I would have never guessed he's gay, seems a 100% straight in all the roles he takes, a brilliant actor, regardless of his orientation

[@Loungemermaid]

van kk so....what do you expect a gay man to be? A Gay man can't be powerful? What are your expectations of a gay man that he can come off as a '100 percent straight actor?' I know you were trying to say something nice, but it just really didn't sit well with me.

[@leticiadepp7292]

wise in the movie and wise in real life. He is such a reat man, I admire him so much

[@sarat6243]

He’s a legendary actor and that’s what we love him for. Doesn’t matter what happens in his bedroom. Personal life.

[@Flanaghan]

Thank you

[@pateris]

I'd say, and I think you'll agree with me, if he was not so open about it, that would be none of our bloody business…

[@riomigz1305]

I don't care if he's gay. He's friggn' awesome.

[@Erin-ce5gs]

Cymro Brandy No he's not.

[@marshallzane7735]

You make it sound like being gay is in someway a negative thing to be?

[@lillankonrad865]

Your comment reveals that you do not understand the point. Would you say - "oh, I don't care if he's hetero", about any other actor that you like?!

[@joshmcdonald1510]

As a heterosexual man, I don't care if Ian is Gay. He has been a big inspiration for me as an actor ever since watching him as Gandalf in "The Lord of The Rings" Trilogy while growing up. Even though I'm sexually more attracted to women I am an avid supporter of LGBT rights since I have many friends & colleagues who are homosexual/bisexual. Sir Ian still has my respect as a fellow actor regardless of his sexuality.

[@filipthemasterfulhottea9111]

You are a man of honor

[@scarlet5856]

OH MY GOD Heck yeah! I am proud of you Ian McKellen!! Have a lovely day :)

[@benjaminrcodona6722]

When you come out make sure you're confident about and be sure to assert yourself, being timid about it will definetly backfire on you. Good luck and don't be too scared.

[@Kakasakufangirl]

I don't care if he's gay or not he's still awesome in my eyes. I still love you Ian!

[@nickolas1711]

Not Gods eyes...

[@Acidpunk101]

Nick Vorobets Yeah but fuck God.

[@nickolas1711]

Acidpunk101 As if he did something bad to you?!

[@nickolas1711]

Acidpunk101 He didn't invent ANYTHING but people with free will and it's US that invented that quit blaming god for doing what only fools like humans would only do!!

[@Acidpunk101]

Nick Vorobets Didn't you just say that Ian Mackellan was not aweseome "in gods eyes"? Wasn't that your first reply?

[@Witchygoth]

So much love and respect for Ian. He's a real trailblazer and great man as well as a wonderful actor. Kisses

[@LCTesla]

a wizard's coming out is never late nor is it early he comes out precisely when he means to

[@onev2455]

I was focusing on Gandalf the whole time, and I didn't notice Bilbo sitting next to him. No, I wont call them by their real names...

[@VenusEvan_1885]

Sir Ian McKellen we love you,you're the best 💕

[@mikelee7798]

Was that Martin Freeman sitting next to him?

[@pinkskies21]

they were there to promote the hobbit

[@mavos1211]

I am straight and i adore sir Ian. He is so wonderfully talented and entertaining. I could listen to him all day / night and never be bored.

[@1225197695468]

I love ian, such an amazing actor

[@harryjenkins2793]

I love Ian McKellen, I want to hug him and how I proud I am to be gay! For a man in his 70s, he is a total babe!

[@richie8811]

There is at least one gay actor who regretted coming out, and a British one. Rupert Everett. He said his job offers whittled down ever since.

[@HySipher]

Gandalf/Magneto is gay. MY LIFE IS COMPLETE

[@gustavramirez2891]

Interestingly, I think that casting an LGBT actor as Magneto was a perfect choice - it helped Ian relate to his character on a deep emotional level! :P

[@HySipher]

Gustav Ramirez Agreed! :D

[@boysarecute3843]

Akako love magneto

[@cheesecakelasagna]

Gustav Ramirez holy shit! never thought of this

[@RunawayNomad17]

Nope they are not. Only the actor that plays them

[@adamsmith8307]

Sir Ian McKellen is a legend I say a legend. ❤❤

[@BobbyBrady2000]

Ian McKellen is a Phenomenal actor!!! amazing!

[@lpchung8976]

Absolutely, we never regret about it

[@GuruOfGreatness]

I was waiting for Martin to come out as well.

[@johntlee1929]

John Kent True. But the question is “why can’t you find the right people to have the attachment to?” It’s not about the agreement. It’s about common sense. It’s about morals. Otherwise, what would you say about the people who have the attachment to his dad, his dog or his 10 year old son?

[@tammikilpi6993]

Ian was p much the only reason 13-year-old me learned to love being gay. Like, if an actor that amazing could be out and happy, why couldn't I? I love him so much

[@PhilipWester]

I was gonna ask who the guy sitting to the right of McKellan was when I realized it's Martin Freeman without a Hobbit wig on.

[@cooluterme]

OMG! I never ever thought in my life that he's gay and very open about it.

[@VisionaryofMirage]

Because the stereotypes are just that :-)

[@MichaelM28]

@@VisionaryofMirage Or perhaps because most of the world's population is straight most people would naturally assume he is too?

[@mj13713]

Martin is like that awkward but happy and proud (for his friends) straight dude with a whole bunch of awesome gay friends

[@thatdirtyninja5829]

dont care if he is gay...great person and great actor

[@josephinetimmons5671]

what an a beautiful man. through and through. sir ian mckellan you are a true art. inspirational person. and loved by many

[@theclairebaire]

I wish my friends and family felt this way...I would get kicked out and beaten up :'(

[@AJDavid90]

Great actor and great human being !

[@shinewolf12]

THANK YOU! Finally, a Christian who gets it. Nice to meet you. *Holds out hand*

[@unitedsovereignsocialistre4234]

This guy is awesome

[@Nakajima-oh7kw]

Anyone else recognize him more from his voice than his face? If I hadn't have known he was in X-Men I wouldn't have recognized him till I heard him speak

[@carlosgmsousa]

That's exactly my point. Even though I feel that way about same sex sexual relations, doesn't mean everyone feels that way. Everyone deserves to be free in the choices they made in life, and be treated with respect and equality. In short, eve though I may not like something, I don't have the right to judge someone who may feel happy doing it, and everyone deserves to be happy.

[@wynxamatina]

WE LOVE U IAN

[@craighicksartwork]

Great guy, great actor.

[@tabula123456]

Totally agree, your words are very wise. Isn't it as well that homosexuality has been observed in over 15000 species so far in the animal kingdom. If it is observed in nature it is therefore natural. And how happy you must be to know that many gay people's live are very full and happy and that it is almost exclusively those that are bullied, ostracised and prejudiced against have, seemingly, empty lives. You must be very happy for gay people now that you know this?

[@HejaWolf]

I love that Ian Mckellen is supporting gay rights. He's definitely awesome.

[@marriedtoallama2102]

Glad to hear he's happy! Thats what gay means right?

[@Golinsteelheart]

this comment is brilliant. Utter approval from me

[@Symetricallity]

Who are you to decide who is deserving of something? Just because something doesn't match your ideals doesn't mean its wrong.

[@trinibee09]

Dont care if he is gay..he is such a fantastic actor .

[@lolnowwhat]

What a powerful man

[@Paranoojja]

1:40 Martin Freeman just imagined Ian McKellen having sex

[@robsmith2969]

Don't hate on Ian McKellen

[@Erin-ce5gs]

I never really cared about the issue of him being gay one way or the other. It's his life, not mine. My view on it is: If you're not hurting yourself or someone else or breaking the law in any way, what you do in the bedroom is your own business.

[@x_x_6__]

That's like saying "I'm not eating ice cream anymore because gays do it too".

[@rubytuesdaytarrant6782]

I loved ian Mckellen anyway then I found out he was gay and I love him even more

[@HAIRYMAN-13]

im aus, 38 and straight... and my hole life iv never understood the fear, disgust people have with gay men or women, seriously there people just me, if you dont like a person for the person thats fine but you should never judge purely on sexuality < thats fucking stupid! and until 5 mins ago i didnt know sir ian mckellem was gay but dosnt it change my opinion of him... NOPE!

[@Raptor-7]

shaneanus IT'S AN ABOMINATION AGAINST THE LORD OF CREATION.....HE MUST BE SAVED BY CHRIST

[@TheyoshiYoshi123]

@@Raptor-7christ is not real and neither is your god, he doesnt have to be "saved" by any of your fairytale creations. fuck off, and read a real book or something.

[@tamd5670]

@@Raptor-7nowhere does it say being gay is bad. The only line that says so is an edited version. Also it’s a reflection of culture at the time that deemed any sex at all to be of sin. So unless you’re a virgin until you have kids, you need to be saved too you liar

[@queenmaoasada8447]

You know who Anderson Cooper upset when he came out? ME. A girl can no longer fantasize.

[@juuukolade4803]

I had to cry so badly... we love you Ian

[@ganiisness]

sir Ian McKellen is my hero

[@KierrokCyclone]

One thing, I think is sad. Is in the movie X-Men, when Ian plays Magneto. He looks up at the Statue of Liberty "Magnificent isn't it?" Rogue: "I seen it." Magneto: "I first saw it in 1949, back than America was founded on freedom, tolerance... peace." It's a slow process, but we're coming around to our old way of thinking. As for Ian ^_^ I'm a straight guy or at least I know of... but if were alive & I knew a young Ian, I'd happily would been friends/more with him. He's a great old man.

[@grimreaper3896]

sexual orientation does not affect the level of epicness

[@LittleAngel5ooekcme]

Ian's gay? Didn't know that, awesome!

[@jahcobtomas2840]

is that bilbo next to him

[@ArchieIsBored]

Yeah

[@woopwoop5646]

Jacob Thomas Urquilla No, it's Martin Freeman.

[@theopinion9452]

"Dwarves?.. no,no,no dwarves around here Mr Smaug"

[@reklamedamereloaded]

Everybody loves Ian McKellen! ;-)))

[@KierrokCyclone]

Which is odd, because 99.99% of us all are different, as you earlier said bout black hair. I have blonde hair, yet red facial hair, ^_^ I love being a Irish desendant. Part German too T_T I'm pale as a ghost... BUT regardless we're all different some dark, others pale... in my case ER lol. That diversity makes living worth it... with in reason of course, like as long as you don't intentionally hurt another. I believe we should put aside squabbles... and just LIVE. as saying Live & let live.

[@nelson5743]

Gandalf..... Cool guy

[@sweiland75]

What are you doing to fight against homophobia which clearly exists even here given how my original comment has been thumbed down so much it was blocked?

[@longfellowrocked]

Exactly! Thank you for pointing that out!

[@rabeo29]

Hahaha thanks :) Yea a persons sexuality really doesn't mean that they're somehow "less" human or moral. If i meet a gay person and a straight person, their sexuality has nothing to do with how friendly or unfriendly they're going to be, or how much i'm going to get on with them. Sexuality doesn't pre-determine their personality. Its like discriminating someone because they have black hair instead of blonde. Sexuality shouldn't affect the friendship that you may or may not form with them.

[@sweiland75]

"I've never met a gay person who regrets coming out" because those who do regret it were killed by their family or someone else

[@crazychap5329]

Super actor.

[@Graehaus]

He is a great actor, that is what is important, not his private life. As long as he is happy, and healthy that is the important thing. This is towards all the negative posts.

[@vroinks]

Two of the best gay celebs and Martin Freeman: Half of one of the best ships on BBC

[@meganowens]

I'm sorry but are you telling me that you shouldn't have sex if you're in love with a person of the same gender? That may be the stupidest anti-gay remark I have ever heard. It doesn't even hold merit

[@BitchItsOli1023]

2:04 I know Sir McKellen is worthy of that praise, but responding "yeah, yeah" to that statement would almost seem a little bit too... prideful? Wouldn't "I hope I did" be better?

[@rubytuesdaytarrant6782]

Ian Mckellen is awesome

[@TheAkelei]

Very impressive. Please have a look with his duett singing with George Ezra "Listen to the man". Amazing and very funny, too.

[@KrisWinnie91]

well they love and accept gay people, so I'd say their farther than a lot of folks in america

[@far22186]

Exactly. Most people don't care

[@ForbiddenFish]

I obviously don't know you or anything, and I'm not gay, but I do wish for you to have a happy life and I hope that someday you're able to live around people who are not judgemental, and that people don't hate you or anything for coming out. :)

[@gustavramirez2891]

Gandalf/Magneto is gay?!

[@jordanrb1996]

"gandalf the gay"

[@gustavramirez2891]

jordanrb1996 Haha... I'll have to remember that one, mate! XD

[@-TheSerpentKing]

jordanrb1996 Lmfao

[@heru-deshet359]

He use to be a great wizard. Now he's just a fairy.

[@datukarim2845]

Magneto & Gandalf.

[@milsp]

True. Actions are totally a choice. Which is why it's pretty absurd and damaging to force some people to choose to live their entire lives in a way that is unnatural and empty for them. Absurd and damaging because it is actually possible to force a person to live a shame-filled, empty, unfulfilling life of endless alienation and misery. No one must, or indeed should, choose that burden, for themselves or for their loved ones. Or, hell, for strangers.

[@taschigawahades1942]

Let this Legend be himself or you get the mighty Power of Sithra

[@xxxdabitchxxx]

I do regret of comming out to some friends, they took it well but I wish I never did it, dont know why is just killing that tough oh " damn why I did it".... please people dont judge just wanted to share this shit I have inside and is killing me

[@mumblealice17]

I think you did the right thing ~ there is no point pretending to be someone you're not and then regretting that for the rest of your life :P

[@KpopLifeMusic]

Maybe it's time for you to learn something new, you should learn to look at it with a different perspective. It's not an experience that straight people get to understand. Once you've overcome it, it makes you a better person. Sometimes, coming out is when you can see clearly who are the true friends. People who will take the initiative to understand you are usually more educated and willing to receive new information. It's like a process of learning. People who just refuse to understand without concrete knowledge, usually has difficulty in learning. You can just take it as a process of learning. You're going to be way more awesome than many people that refuse to read, listen and think. Don't worry too much~

[@daltoncook209]

never mind

[@redruner500]

Yet you took the time to write that.

[@aethertech]

How epic a movie, would George Takai + Ian Mckellen be. I'd watch the shit out of a movie with them in it.

[@DynV]

The picture of the host half-laid on the couch at the end is creepy.

[@leperking84]

why so serious?