Owen Jones meets Sir Ian McKellen | 'No one regrets being honest about their sexuality'

Sir Ian McKellen has starred in countless William Shakespeare plays, he's taken roles as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings series and Magneto in the X-Men series. But he's also a prominent gay and LGBT rights campaigner, who helped to found Stonewall. I went to meet him to discuss coming out, sexuality and his activism as well as his friendship with Sir Patrick Stewart, his new Shakespeare app and his love of the theatre.
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[@jawadc97]

I saw Sir Ian McKellen when he came to my school 6 years ago. Absolute legend, fighting for gay rights.

[@aperson22222]

I love how casually he can rattle off a Shakespearean monologue.

[@seankelly378]

@ well it's not his lines , it is amazing he can just bring that up in a convo

[@thomasshakespeare9675]

Owen: Were you upset by that? Ian McKellen: No, because I knew I was right and he was wrong. :-)

[@pezzamange]

Best way to interview, just let someone interesting talk. Love it.

[@MikoWilson]

@ You are literally a troll. How sad can one person be?

[@seankelly378]

@ oh fuck off with the transphobia

[@andej1238]

For anyone wondering, Ian is wearing a £6.00 Marks and Spencer t-shirt. I have the same on in the same colour and I have to say it's an excellent t-shirt. In fact, it changed my life. Thank you so much Marks and Spencer for shining the light on my destined path to finding the perfect, soft-to-the-touch t-shirt.

[@GrandMoffTarkinsTeaDispenser]

For some odd reason this comment cheered me up a bit so thank you.

[@elora179]

It compliments his eyes

[@marktaylor6491]

Owen, that was probably the best interview yet. It helps when you are talking to a man that could make a phone directory seem fascinating. And when he really gets hold of a topic, when he senses an injustice. Obviously, with a bit of help from his old friend William. Ever suggested to him that he should play Tony Benn?

[@davidanderson3425]

I know this interview is 2yrs old but I've just stumbled on it today. Great interview, Owen. I couldn't help but be impressed with how the conversation was so relaxed. Sir Ian McKellen was clearly at ease and came across as such a lovely man.

[@Taoistdaz]

Thanks, Owen, for sharing this video about an important issue. There are still many places in the world that don't offer such freedoms and equality. Greetings from a follower in Vietnam.

[@esclad]

I have to say, Sir Ian McKellen is a real hero of mine...and a legend. Born in the same town as me. Brilliant, insightful interview Owen.

[@MikoWilson]

@ Wow, you're really going to shit on every comment on this video eh? Honestly man, whatever demons you are battling, do it elsewhere, this is pathetic.

[@totallyuninspired1]

Getting a private Shakespeare monologue from McKellen must have been amazing! Had no idea about his involvement in Stonewall, such a lovely man.

[@End-Result]

Probably the best interview you've ever done. Surprisingly inspiring.

[@ladyioan]

what a wonderful conversation! thanks for sharing!

[@Adeodatus100]

Beautiful! I love the look he gives you - and the twinkle in the eye - when you ask "When did you first realise you were gay?"

[@Jameshonke]

The speech that Ian gives is magical :) you know a truly great actor or orator, when despite how busy you are, you just can't stop listening. Truly fantastic - could he make that speech again so that we can make it go viral?!

[@TheRiceFrameofMind]

Ian is an absolute inspiration, I look up to both these men so much :)

[@shelleysayer9821]

@Right Winger You horrible person. You sound evil. Why are gay people seen as monsters?

[@MikeDrumsIt]

4:10 "Didn't care whether you were gay, straight or ambidextrous" - I'm gonna use that.

[@beccastell6439]

He's right! My great uncle said exactly that in an old interview and he was a theatre director at Chichester.

[@crazytosh1]

That was an amazing interview. The Thomas More speech was incredible.

[@rattynobbs]

Please release the unedited version, we need more!!!!!!!!!!!

[@c0rindotcom]

Great interview. It's really powerful in the short moment where you glimpse the anger and bitterness he still has about the way gay people were treated.

[@applepye87]

What a fantastically interesting man. Could listen to him for hours.

[@carolynwestlake2246]

What a great conversation. Thanks to you both😊

[@TheAncientBiker]

Brilliant interview. I never realised what a nice guy he is.

[@AngelsOfAresED]

This interview is fantastic! What a legend and such a well-read gracious man. You did a fantastic job too as usual, Owen!👏

[@TigerPrawn_]

Thank you! Amazing!

[@bananasandavocados1391]

Very enjoyable to watch ; good work!

[@Exc13270]

Owen, thanks for filming this. I really enjoyed it.

[@tjfSIM]

Owen, I really think you could teach a thing or two to a lot of journalists who just don't listen, and don't bother to do their research. This came across as a really relaxed and enjoyable interview, because you were really listening to Sir Ian, and cared about what he had to say. Excellent work.

[@MerynCadell]

What a lovely, comfortable interview. Shows your chops (I'm new to you as of this moment, but am looking forward to seeing more)... and really shows what smart big heart beats inside Ian McKellen. Thank you.

[@nickthepostpunk5766]

Loved that interview.

[@sboubalouta]

such a great man, thanks for the interview

[@connorwebster8655]

+Owen Jones Hi Owen, are you still taking suggestions of who to interview? If so, how about Dennis skinner?

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+Connor Webster Always taking suggestions! Let's get Dennis on the list.

[@caxzrockz]

+Owen Jones can you please talk about the Easter Rising on this channel

[@brandonrenard5192]

+Owen Jones Also, i'm not sure why but I'd love to see you talk to Mary Berry

[@sboubalouta]

great suggestion! i would love you to interview the beast

[@Silvbird]

What about George Galloway?

[@MrDannyk123]

Please don't take this the wrong way Owen, but I much prefer your videos to your articles. Don't know why, but you're able to convey much deeper meaning on your vlogs. More please!

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+MrDannyk123 No offence taken.

[@Sdakouls3]

+Owen Jones Ads on your videos? Owen, you cheeky capitalist.

[@markmcgowanforpm6248]

+Owen Jones Please do an interview with Mark McGowan artist taxi driver.

[@Sdakouls3]

+Slave2PaperWithInkOn I know. That's not the point. I just find it slightly ironic that Owen uses his channel to push quite left wing political views, but at the same time activates monetisation in order to turn a profit while doing so.

[@MrDannyk123]

+Sdakouls3 so you can't be left wing and make a living now? k lol

[@AD-ok8ee]

Lovely interview. I could listen to him for hours. Two of my favourite people together. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you Owen.

[@zacharyabraham]

these interviews are brilliant

[@harryb7661]

What an amazing interview. One of the best you have done so far.

[@harryb7661]

The question you are asking is a stupid hypothetical.

[@DanAI17]

Fantastic interview Owen, only a shame it wasn't longer. since Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are basically the same person it seems only right you interview the other one now.

[@jlelliotton]

And interview Sir Derek Jacobi!

[@MrKalvinC]

When I was at University I worked behind the cloakroom at the White Swan in East London (I also used to work behind the bar in G-A-Y at the Astoria). Sir Ian came in one evening during the week and he really was just absolutely lovely. Have always loved him. Cracking interview again Owen. Maybe we should meet over a glass of wine to discuss its finer points ...?

[@ValBlanc19]

Love this !!

[@brucegreenberg7573]

Owen, just subscribed, & your Sir Ian McKellen interview was so spot on.I admire the man & his work both on and off the stage.

[@marthaworc7873]

I love Ian's voice and way of speaking. He is a living legend.

[@pamelaec8623]

what a delightful interview and man. cheers

[@GraemeMarkNI]

Ach that speech gave me goosebumps...

[@chrismullan7191]

I think Owen you would be a good M P. You have a good understanding of what life is like for many in Britian today. This is a very scary time and very hard to trust many of our MPS. Sir Ian McKellen is such a great man, very good interview and very open. Keep up the good work Owen and stand up for the people whos voice that does not get heard much any more.

[@PeppyOoze]

OJ - When did you realise you were gay? IM - Oh, Owen ...

[@judyrussell1853]

A great interview.

[@albealbyj]

Favourite yet! What a presence.

[@kydoren2372]

anyone else get goosbumps when sir ian said the line *all the worlds a stage*

[@MrGareth45]

What a really interesting interview :)

[@MikeSmith-pe4sl]

This has immediately brightened my day, what a lovely interview, and what a charming fellow Ian comes across as. Owen, can you interview Patrick Stewart now please, it would be geektastic if you interviewed magneto and professor X.

[@njuta]

Thank you for asking about Patrick Stewart, I am so charmed by their friendship

[@MrSatnavatron]

This is amazing

[@PGTips180]

Did he call you 'darling' ohmygod what a sweetheart

[@RavenRachelSteele]

Loved it 😎

[@melmace4063]

love love love this interview, as well as the one with Mhairi Black

[@johnjohnson467]

nice one owen,great interview.jpj

[@Chrissepisje]

What a wonderful man. May he live long in good health.

[@trevorthompson7604]

What a great interview thank you owen what a beautiful person sir ian is

[@Patrick-jj5nh]

Great interview. I need to see more stuff with Ian in it. For a little underrated gem search out his role as the titular Richard III from 1995, great stuff.

[@steventalbot5244]

A truly fantastic fellow. In fact the pair of you are. I've used a fair few Owen Jones quotes on my E and D training and now I have a lovely Ian McKellen quote too. Owen, keep doing what you are doing because you are inspirational. Thank you.

[@strangersbyethelcain]

sir ian is wonderful!!!! love him and this interview, he seems so lovely I'd love to meet him one day 🥺 very jealous of my dad as he knew sir ian mckellen during ian mckellen's work on coronation street!

[@sociallyineptspider-man2366]

His voice is so soothing

[@jimborhys9659]

You just see Owens face drop when Ian mentions it was a conservative whip that helped inspire him to start stonewall 😂

[@popicelolly]

Great interview Owen!

[@kidkunjer]

ian mckellen is awesome :)

[@georgeboyd9514]

we need an other interview with him a part two, come on Owen that was brilliant more time with you two please.

[@techtipsuk]

I always think of the Extras when I see McKellen, very funny.

[@cruxcommissa]

'What I do, is I pretend to be the person I'm portraying in the film or play... you're confused'

[@ihateunicorns867]

I remember my girlfriend and I being on the floor in laughter at that scene because we had this rather eccentric landlord at the time who used to over-explain everything in exactly the same way.

[@rahulkemp6489]

ha!

[@nilmagnifico8121]

Great, Owen! Most enjoyable.

[@derrickfielden8268]

Being born in Burnley, so proud of Ian, Best wishes

[@davidryan0808]

bounced on here and have to say mate...great job

[@MGustave]

Wow, what an amazing guy, I didn't know anything about his involvement in stonewall!

[@steffischolz7003]

i admire Ian. he seems so friendly. he seems like a nice human being. and that is what is important to me. and i want him to be happy

[@periurban]

What a lovely fellow. Were gay men once referred to as"fruits"? Strange to think that something so natural was once illegal.

[@tomw665]

I wouldn't call it natural. But I agree it shouldn't be illegal.

[@BlueEyesWhiteTeddy]

+Tom W It is natural. More natural than wearing clothes, cooking food, brushing your teeth. Being gay is more natural than 99% of the things people do in their life.

[@tomw665]

+47cybele59 I should start by saying I support gay rights. But I wouldn't describe it as 'natural' as if that's how humans were naturally supposed to be, we'd be extinct. For example, it's not natural for an elephant to be born with two tails...but you'd still expect for that elephant to be treated the same.

[@tomw665]

+bill mill You misunderstand me. I didn't say there wasn't room for it, or that if it isn't natual there's no room for it. I said it isn't natual, but that shouldn't stop it happening.

[@tomw665]

+47cybele59 Thanks for recommending a book but to be brutally honest I couldn't even properly read your post, too long, boring and confusing...so a book is out of the question.

[@lukeharris7355]

I love both these men. Great chat.

[@lukeharris7355]

Well, whatever floats your boat... Technically there is no "white country" on earth. So, not really anyone you could anger by saying to white people a white-only country that doesn't exist, you wouldn't deserve if it did-so. Have a great day either way though x

[@louiscf8252]

Hi Owen. Not sure if you check this but I'm trying to get some work experience in journalism. Do you know what options there are for 15 year old work experience? thanks.

[@rimarti72]

Wonderful

[@stevencassidy6982]

ian McKellen is an absolute legend. his coming out was a big thing in 1988

[@stevencassidy6982]

the founder of stonewall

[@vinylvipress5529]

Sir Ian McKellen , Thankyou for you , years of just astonishing work in the arts in it's entirety, every performance, every word,......noteably your reading of Harvey Milk's Hope Speech in 2017 for Figures of Speech in the Almeida Theatre .beautifully powerful and upon watching your interview here my delight at hearing a part of another unforgetable speech you've delivered over the years , The Strangers' Case , Sir Thomas More ........Sir Ian McKellen you are a truly remarkable man 😘😘

[@michellekirrane4566]

Lovely. Has anyone else found this app? I can't find it, or is it still being made?

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+Michelle Clark Ah yeah, sorry. It's in beta still. Will be released on April 23rd I believe.

[@lizfuller400]

A national treasure. Love you, Sir Ian, from your Shakespeare to playing Gandalf. Recently saw you in Mother Goose at the Lyceum, in Sheffield. Wonderful fun. All the audience from children to us oldies enjoyed in the fun. Great panto.

[@BudFieldsPPTS]

Surely there is more to this incredible moment you can share with us, my friend. To have that opportunity, that moment is worthy of a video reflection. Please?

[@anthonym4401]

Sir Ian McKellen from Burnley what an inspiration.

[@veganxbones]

What a glorious human being, nice one Owen!

[@janiakowska]

brilliant

[@AlieCFatAl]

Great video Owen, thanks. What about an interview with Akala? Think it would make great conversation.

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+Alex Cripps I would very much like to speak to him.

[@stuartrichards3570]

Having just watched Stewart Lee in Liverpool, I'd say he'd be an interesting interview.

[@NotthatRossKemp]

Damn fine actor. Interesting interview! Well done!

[@jayviescas7703]

My favorite Sir Ian McKellen movie role will forever be James Wale in Gods and Monsters.

[@nanamieg]

Beautiful, just beautiful !!

[@paulalaye6428]

Wow Owen yet again a truly amazing interview, what a fascinating man, And soooo attractive too...

[@siegfried1313]

Owen, did your watch stopped during the interview ?

[@sirgaymeerkat1994]

well done Owen excellent interview!

[@paulprior9875]

7.50 onwards... my word that was powerful

[@phattebytch]

Legend for sure.

[@vladark138]

So sweet, too short :)

[@seankelly378]

Absolute legend

[@megancerys7260]

What a wonderful man.

[@SYDNEYWOODY1973]

Nice, good honest man...

[@Blakter19]

Does anyone know what the app is called? Can't find it anywhere

[@OwenJonesTalks]

+Arron It's out on April 23rd. Sorry, probably should have said.

[@Blakter19]

+Owen Jones thank you for your reply, any chance you knew what it was called. I'm training for Drama School and a resource such as that will certainly come in handy

[@PGTips180]

+Arron I imagine there'll be some press coverage, a simple Google search should suffice on April 23rd

[@PGTips180]

+Arron I imagine there'll be some press coverage, a simple Google search should suffice on April 23rd

[@pauliusd6505]

that ending cut off so unexpectedly

[@JediNiyte]

If I were on the couch with Ian McKellen, a nice conversation is the LAST thing that would be happening. RAWR.

[@cameronnorman5687]

good bloke