Sir Ian McKellen | Full Address and Q&A | Oxford Union

SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► is.gd/OxfordUnion
Oxford Union on Facebook: / theoxfordunion
Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion
Website: www.oxford-union.org/
Sir Ian is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most treasured actor, immortalised by his legendary depictions of characters such as Gandalf and Magneto. His acting is characterised by leadership, wisdom, and charming humour. His six Laurence Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Oscar nominations speak for his considerable contribution to the arts. An outstanding LGBTQ+ rights campaigner, Sir Ian co-founded Stonewall, and became a patron of Oxford Pride in 2006.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[@Tommy9834]

I heard he didn't show up to this talk on the agreed time, but he wasn't late. Nor was he early. He arrived PRESCISLY when he intended.

[@kevinflemming5928]

Well played, Sir. Well played.

[@myco4463]

A true wizard

[@carterkentboi]

😭

[@EthanJohn1986]

@@kevinflemming5928 No

[@athos401]

*precisely

[@apathy5477]

"Full address" my ass. I watched this three times and it NEVER said where this mans lives.

[@lesaswain6835]

I love this comment 😂

[@horrorfilmtips4072]

😂😂

[@Z_Pavel]

his ass

[@mtburton909]

He might not give his address but address he's gay

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

Apathy his full address is The Bladders, Upyerpipe, Bushy Spon, Herts.

[@spectralimages8961]

"The only label you need is your name." Great respect for this man. In the angry times we live in, where titles and identity politics become a tool to shame each other or gain standing, rather than seeing each other for their basic humanity and individuality.

[@antoniosilvestro2494]

I cant believe this great man has never won an oscar

[@3nertia]

@@antoniosilvestro2494 Oscars aren't about talent, they're about money - that's why

[@deanadam8948]

That's the difference between great people with great thoughts, even nature knows how and how much reward people depends on their greatness and mentality

[@karendegenerous8044]

Spectral Images I live a completely different life to you, I am pure English and so are the rest of my family, my wife has the title 'doctor', she has 2 Doctorates, the first in Psychology and the second in Criminology, and both of which she and gained because she was a good listener, and her understanding of the basic humanity and individuality was and is Superlative, which it has to be for her job, It was most certainly not to be above anybody or below anybody as you say and see it. It was about being who she was and she doesn't use Dr as a title unless some sexist jealous arsehole calls her a Ms, as she is not responsible for other peoples personal angriness, like the way that you live in.

[@judicator375]

The problem with that mentality is that human beings work on labels. Labels and descriptions are basically adjectives. We sort the world into chunks of understanding: tall, white, bearded. We directly relate experience to these tags. He even does it himself about the ambassador, 49, straight... You can't not label things. You can change the overall societal connotation of what the label means until its the normal.

[@RB-mq6em]

What a man: humane, witty, clever... just lovely. His picture should be on pound notes. I just love him.

[@douglaspatrick868]

X Y He's so incredibly charming, lovely and talented man.

[@tombaron597]

pound notes...?

[@pablochavez1497]

He is a predator ....being gay these days gets instant likes without actually knowing the person.

[@stevepafford5501]

Welcome to social media@@pablochavez1497

[@tracer740]

@@pablochavez1497 - ... might you be envious?

[@marikastanway7920]

When he talks, people listen. That's a rare quality in a human being. Much love to him. If I could meet any one celebrity person, it would certainly be this man.

[@martinstahle2006]

..." When he talks, people listen" ..... so many nice people around Ian McKellen.

[@MichaelSPN]

He's amazing, he came back to his hometown Burnley a few months ago to perform. I bought VIP tickets which was priced really well. Had a drink with him after his performance and talked to us all signed autographs and took photos with everyone. Such a beautiful, humble and amazing man!

[@Agnes135]

Well people came to hear him speak

[@logangovender9740]

@@martinstahle2006 pl

[@robotic2000k]

End of term exams - Ian McKellen: "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"

[@silverkitty2503]

bollix lemme pass

[@Tyrfingr]

lol would have been great if he said it too

[@callumboscoe8685]

Tyrfingr he already has

[@Dumsvensk]

@@Tyrfingr 1:07:20

[@FidelCastro128]

'Not one drop of my self esteem depends on your acceptance of me' St. Joan of Arc

[@CaneTopper]

instant like. It's Ian McKellen

[@rmilkyswife]

I'm the same. I love him

[@LJN71]

He is about as difficult to dislike as free ice cream! A credit to his profession and to the human race.

[@itsfissy4057]

agreed.

[@stevepafford5501]

Thanks for the post. I've used some in this feature on Ian's speech stevepafford.com/mckellen/

[@winegums3211]

Remember ian Mckellen gay if people didn't know that

[@omricabaza]

his voice, the way he expresses himself with charisma is just beautiful. much respect for Ian.

[@patrickbourke2385]

Every year or so I come back and listen to this talk. Its such a good one. You can hear a pin drop when he tells the audience to speak to their parents and how he never got the chance to come out to his own. Also, look how he chooses to stand up and walk backwards and forwards in the middle instead of sitting down and addressing the audience like the many speakers before him have done. It's a simple change but I like it

[@charlesbergen5398]

Very observant of you to note this "trick" of a great speaker as it keeps their audience "engaged" throughout and is definitely an asset not all speakers are capable of.

[@fabiengerard8142]

…After all, isn’t he a top natural ‘pro’ performer?!? He definitely knows how to keep his audience’s full attention from A to Z. In a way, he’s acting, he’s literally enjoying performing all the time, possibly even in the intimacy (à la Laurence Olivier, so to speak) - his mask is his face, and his face is his mask. Basically a matter of ego, perhaps? That’s why I think I’m personally more sensitive to a Mark Rylance, for example. A completely different character, who seems, instead, not to be performing at all, at least the very instant he’s no more on stage or on set.

[@gameXylinder]

I really like him. I respect that he turned down the money for writing the autobiogrophy/memoar because he felt it wasn't right for him. I really respect that he didn't take the money to officiate that wedding dressed as Gandalf. I really respect him for saying out loud that he cares about many different causes, but are only vocal about the ones he feels he knows enough about, which is being gay and being an actor. I like that he doesn't start babbeling the second a question has been asked, he takes his time, thinks, and gives his answer in a thought out way.

[@zeetstweets]

Not that he needs the money

[@stevepafford5501]

Thanks for the post. I've used some in this feature on Ian's speech stevepafford.com/mckellen/

[@johnkuipers7829]

I like Ian but I think the subject of homosexuality wad too much to focus on. Could have talked about many other things.

[@CosmicTeapot]

Took me some time to understand what you meant by "memoar" until I realized you meant "memoir" lmao bone apple tea

[@gameXylinder]

Son Of Montreal Haha oh dear, I must learn to proofread! My normal strategy of punching random keys on the keyboard and letting autocorrect sort things out for me has failed! 😂

[@wiinterflowers4277]

"The only label you need is your name." Mad respect to Sir Ian McKellan!

[@migbham1]

To SIR Ian McKellen. LOL!

[@janberkemeier7406]

It's so amazing that he actually takes his time answering questions, relates to people, isn't afraid of showing emotions and never quite loses his impish sense of humor when discussing any topic. Ian McKellen is not only a great actor, but a great man.

[@jer090jr]

Imagine being a teacher and getting an applause like this everytime you enter. Don't forget to hug your TA before starting.

[@mrscary3105]

Sir Ian McKellen is a beautiful human.

[@Chetan-pu3yn]

Im getting anxiety whenever Sir Ian is walking backwards, hoping he wont trip on the steps.

[@EleanorPeterson]

Hi, Chetan! Don't worry - he's spent a lot of his life walking about delivering lines on stage, and a stage floor's not even level! 😁

[@FACELOWNER]

This my friends is how to hold an audience in the palm of your hand. also his short pauses are absolutely epic.!!

[@kajaldasguptadasgupta747]

My horse my kingdom who uttered I one of shakers Nobel on stage movie was performed😶‍🌫️

[@ishmaelforester9825]

'A good way to approach *Shakespeare* , studying him, or reading him, or acting in him is to say, *once upon a time* ' Profound and true statement.

[@jrt9]

No one else got the attention and love from the audience. Truly beloved and respected. Britain's own grand legend and icon.

[@h-mh93]

He is a gift to mankind! Love his sense of humor - not to mention his great acting!

[@joshkresnik6402]

I’m listening to him speak and the whole time I can sense an emotional bit burst out of him and a little more than 16 minutes in there it is. He’s so real, so authentic and heartfelt and genuine

[@The80sBoy]

" We don't need labels".What a genius of a man.

[@Nr1KaraokeFanDE]

What a beautiful soul. Whenever he talks I'm hanging on his lips in a mixture of awe and love. I cannot decide whether to consider him a brilliant professor or a loving storytelling grandfather. And then I just want to give him a hug. He lights up a room and all the hearts in it.

[@stevepafford5501]

His story on Nelson Mandela was fantastic stevepafford.com/freenelsonmandela/

[@marthaworc7873]

Ian has the rare quality of answering the questions that are asked of him. He doesn't give a stock answer that has nothing to do with the question. That is a wonderful quality in a person. He is so very honest in his answers.

[@corgisrule21]

Can you imagine having him as a grandfather?? I can’t even...Precious treasure of a man ❤️❤️

[@guitar_hiro]

Such a fantastic lovely man, could listen to him all day. Really appreciated what he said about speaking to your parents and grandparents, learning about their lives while they're still with you, so true.

[@shinobifirecracker6671]

The first thing about learning about your parents. Been on my head for months. Meant to find this. Thank you, Ian

[@kibblesnbits9146]

I am so grateful that my twenty-one year old "child" came out to me! She gave me the gift of not only knowing her better, but also knowing her by a name which affirmed her, rather than give her pain. If parents do not meet their children with open arms, their love is hampered by their own weaknesses and shortcomings.

[@schinzox1261]

A masterpiece of a man, through and through! Tears in my eyes!!!

[@harbscantina]

Ian is arguably one of the most warm hearted caring people I know of. I love this guy.

[@alumyst2638]

what a great speaker. of all the lectures i watch, i often find that when it comes to question time the magic diminishes... but with this guy... when it came to question time it got even better. he thoughtfully ponders the questions and builds the answer into something very genuine. love this guy

[@fazergazer]

Ian, always the actor’s actor. Each of his responses was an improvisatory performance. The wheels turn, and we are the better for it. Watch and learn as Ian rises to the challenge of each question, and in framing his response, teaches us about acting by example. Watching Ian respond to each question is like a mini master class in his method. In a spontaneous encore, In the end, he calls upon a character who compels us towards tolerance. This is the quintessence of why the actor shall forever remain relevant. Bravo. We can always learn from this master. Ian, please stay with us as long as possible.

[@MakeSomeNoiseAgencyPlaylists]

not really mate.....

[@ktoth29]

I love how theatrical he is even answering questions like he's delivering a soliloquy

[@jakis5705]

I would love nothing more then to sit with sir Ian McKellen and just listen to his life story, I love him so much, he is amazing to me xx

[@bankerkid801]

I decided to call my 86 year old grandmother after watching 10 minutes of this...

[@leonardocucchiara4782]

Me: going down the YT rabbit hole instead of prepare for exams. Sir Ian: YOU SHALL NOT PASS!

[@qhubbles]

Same here.

[@gustavorivera4903]

Cursed by the wizard lol...

[@anaderol5408]

A beautiful man - his energy, optimism and talent are his gifts to us all. I share his sorrow in not having asked my parents enough questions. Hopefully some young people will have heeded his words.

[@MunchKing51]

Starting from 1:11:10 What an actor , I got chills during this performance.

[@irenebianchi5088]

I take the knee in front of Ian Mckellen, what a human being, what a legend, a great teacher for young women and men

[@Xerrand]

He holds a room better than any MP ever has lol, it's truly a joy watching this Master at work.

[@DDSnickle]

"You shall not pass!" "You can't pass!" "I had it wrong" Honestly, it's way better this way! In all it's meaning, both lines mean the same, however the prior just rolls so much better off the tongue. It made the scene just that more memorable.

[@BlueDaemonful]

Holy shit! When he started "crying" I genuinely thought he was crying, goddamn :O Sir Ian McKellan, you are Gandalf. A powerful, wise, kind-hearted Istari who is here to entertain us (perhaps not with fireworks), teach us and protect us with your grand empathy and knowledge.

[@MalASMR]

same! omg. I had to pause for a second because it shocked me.

[@babyfartzmcgeezak4067]

Check out the video then he's with his bestie Patrick Stewart getting drunk and doing the triple take ♥️ those two are adorable ♥️♥️

[@sandseeker408]

Holy cow, what a LOOOONG video. Hope this man lives so many years more !

[@SergeGolikov]

12:40 "I wasn't acting, I was just saying the lines" that's greatness! Contrast with Sir Lawrence Olivier, a great actor!

[@janepaperplane]

its for things like this that i love the internet. What a privilege to be in the same room as Sir Ian McKellen, thanks

[@maksimlozanoski]

This man Is a legend

[@johannesmeier5550]

Even Varys the spider couldn`t resist seeing Sir Ian in person. He could have easily sent some of his little birds, but he decided to witness the glory that is Mr. McKellen face to face.

[@benjaminlundback8394]

Varys*, but yes, he is everywhere.

[@slipperywinston4076]

what an endearing gentleman, his personality is totally infectious and has put a smile on my face just watching him talk.

[@squamish4244]

In a recent interview, Ian McKellen was first asked jokingly about his "How do I act so well?" comical scene in Ricky Gervais' Extras, but then seriously - as in, "No, really, how *do* you act so well?" He said, "Practice."

[@namarie7]

What a legend... Long live Sir Ian McKellen!

[@yvoferdinandvanderhoek1027]

Maybe I'm ignorant, I did not know him being gay or of his activism. Rises even higher in my appreciation.

[@NL04180]

indeed, really love this man!

[@Zvaenne]

whenever i am feeling totally down, i eventually come across patrick stewart or this wonderful man... you are a gift to us and have helped me through tough times, thank you

[@skiersobolski]

No other word than brilliant. Thank you Sir for that lesson of humanity.

[@adsensedd]

So wonderfully HONEST. Just what our culture needs.

[@MarcusEMunya]

I can't be the only one who's ears perked up at 1:26 lol I'd actually love to see an aging great actor like Ian Mckellen, Charles Dance, Anthony Hopkins pull off an aging bond thriller.

[@abigailslade3824]

There already is one it’s called “The Rock”

[@andjelatatarovic8309]

wow thank you! I love this! I did some table readings for fun, and that's what the experience was like for me too! The story exists in the very writing! Wonderful! Thank you!

[@jc6594]

Happy 80th Birthday Ian McKellen

[@TJSaw]

This man has unlimited charisma. I could listen to him talk for hours on end.

[@infinitafenix3153]

Casually, I watched this after having seen Zizek's performance and well, I think this man has many more important things to say than the philosopher; love his straightforwardness, his humanity and his magnetism. Clear and transparent as water. Thanks, Sir Ian and thanks Oxford Union for this gem.

[@abigailslade3824]

Magnetism I see what you did there😜

[@MyStratega]

1:07:20 When Ian McKellen goes with the meme

[@joansmith69]

And then the nerds goes into a standing ovation lol

[@grahamsmall1300]

Mesmerizing!!! Absolutely Brilliant!!!

[@Isleofskye]

Thoroughly enjoyable. An absolutely genuinely National Treasure.....

[@teenanguyen217]

Such an accomplished man, a magnificent actor.

[@passionflower730]

Sir Ian is just amazing....Thank You for uploading....

[@Laudon1228]

The very end of Vicious utterly sandbagged me, such a truth about loss. How many times have those of us who have lost a parent, or anyone they love, something happens in your life, and for a moment you think, “Oh, Mom will love this, I have to give her a calll.”? And then your stomach drops, and you feel so lost.

[@Promance2300]

Yes! Out with labels and shallow identity politics, we are all people

[@seyahtan24]

I love the way he talks. :)

[@onelonelypickle]

Not a fan of his politics, but the man is such a wealth of knowledge for acting. Quite a treat to hear.

[@vinylvipress5529]

Of the endless reasons I have the utmost respect and admiration for this man i'm going to mention the time he spends walking amongst his audience in acknowledgement , upon entering 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@trenchdigger59xzy]

What I'm really interested in is how he became so good at acting. The older Sir Ian became the more brilliant his performance became. The man played 2 of the most iconic roles influencing generations past and future.

[@stevepafford5501]

Thanks for the post. I've used some in this feature on Ian's speech stevepafford.com/mckellen/

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Which roles were those?

[@BThings]

I don't fully know why, but watching this video was somehow much more affecting to me than many lecture videos I've seen of this kind. There seemed to be a thoughtfulness, honesty, and empathy to what he was saying. It's probably partly because of his amazing skill as a performer, but I'd imagine that sort of skill must come at least in part from being a person who is like that. I don't know…I just liked it!

[@wizzoz1]

Captivating!

[@lavenderhedgehog678]

When he started talking about the laws, and how lucky the UK is, as a Russian I immediately thought about the whole theme being illegal in my country. Because of our government and the church. And then Sir Ian actually said it all. Warms my heart ❤️

[@davidsalterego1]

I'm not an Oxford graduate. In fact I didn't even get a degree until I was 35. I didn't miss the lectures, but I rather missed sessions like this.

[@troutmask9111]

I admire this man so much! Also i love him as Gandalf

[@ruthdenova5984]

Sir Ian Mckellen, an enchanting master of the arts, an admirable person belong to the world of the mind. My profound gratitude to have him as my brother by both of us having the chance to exist in this universe.

[@Olsen65]

Time well spent when Sir Ian is there.

[@nhlanhlanomeko]

being South African and only finding out now how he contributed to the making of some of the laws in our constitution.

[@morganolfursson2560]

That finale was magnificent .

[@viviennedickinson268]

Thanks for this. I love him❤💙💚🧡💛💜

[@Noize-Mafia]

First time in my life I have applauded something while watching it alone at home on KZbin. Sir Ian - you’re always gonna be one of my heroes. If I grow to be half the man! #biglove

[@callum7081]

I met Ian mckellan at a charity tour in a theatre in no and he was unfailingly kind. After his show he would thank everyone as though we just did the show for him, and treated everyone like they were the celebrity. Really just a splendid person all round.

[@zerchariahalighieri8288]

I would imagine Lord of the rings strings tugs at the heart of a communities placed in very dark times. Who did you become. What choices did you make. What did you stand for. Who did you betray. What lies did you tell. What did you sacrifice for the "Greater good".

[@ThunderousThrasher]

i would like to meet Sir Ian McKellen, one of my favorite actor's of all time

[@tracer740]

@Jonenzki- A widely shared opinion as well ...

[@artraygalleryart1159]

Bravo. Great open & frank talk. What a profound experience for all who were there.

[@AssignmentIntoEternity]

Some men age Brilliantly, Sean Connery, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stuart. Talking to your Parents is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Do it. He is so right.

[@Itskilo]

Jackie Stallone

[@nicki958]

Very awesome talk about the lgbt community. He needs to come to Michigan and do these lectures. I think he could prevent some bullying and young suicides my son has personally experienced 😢😥

[@user-ur7jjfkjdj]

What an absolutely amazing man !!!

[@mulungijonathan5501]

I just love Sir Ian McKellen's great sense of humour

[@InyourLifeTeam]

Masterful as always Sir Ian! Still, prefer your smart tux and that last dance - keep going strong.

[@makila7715]

More timely and relevant than ever especially in the context of current movements - Black lives/LGBTQI plus.... all about labelling! Brilliant.

[@stanhootzz1904]

GOD bless ye Ian with the Highest Good! Amen

[@lancewalker2595]

You are not a Christian, and for that, I thank you.

[@happyexpat3744]

What a spectacular figure not only in the theatre but in his own right as a person taking up space on this, our Earth, trying as he can to better the lot for the rest of us and those of us yet to come.

[@infinitafenix3153]

And I also like his manners, casual and original but still a true polite gentleman.

[@nicknevco215]

Amazing he can keep his thoughts collective and not unravel from the emotions tied to the stands he obviously hold on the issues he is speaking of.

[@davidwalker8955]

Love your Honesty Sir Ian.

[@thehh5118]

**Ian McKellen using an IPad**

[@titanmonarch]

I do wish this hadn't been members-only; I could have been there. This is so cool though. What a wonderful man.

[@brianmatthews1736]

I just today September 4th, 2021 came upon this video. I am thrilled and so elated to have come upon it! Ian is one of a kind, truly. His honesty,. his humor. his sense of history, and respect for others. I agree with another comment on this list that I hope he remains with us as long as he possibly can! The consummate actor. I always gage how I feel about a celebrity on how much I would like to be a good friend, and able to be personally involved in a close friendship with them. This man I would give the world to be able to sit down, and have tea...and just talk for hours about everything...well done on all that you have done in the public eye Ian...you should be ever so proud...a fan, Brian

[@cosmicswan7777]

What a legend❤️!!!… so authentic and honest. He inspires me to have the courage to come out and be myself when I was deterred by my catholic upbringing. Im now an auto-sexual and auto romantic atheist and am letting go of everything that told me I had to be anything other than myself. Thank you Ian for having the courage to inspire others to be who they really are in the prison of conditioned hétero-normative society.

[@raymiller1383]

I had to rewind to the monologue at the end and listen to it again.... I may yet do it again still... how apropos for the current events of today...