“Being In The Closet Is Silly”: Sir Ian McKellen’s Advice To Gay Actors Hiding Their Truth
Ian McKellen’s call to action: “Coming out is freedom”
Sir Ian McKellen, a name synonymous with legendary performances in The Lord Of The Rings and X-Men, has once again used his platform to inspire change. In a recent interview with The Times of London, the 85-year-old actor urged closeted performers to embrace their truth and step into the light. His message? “Being in the closet is silly. There’s no need for it.”
At DNA, we’ve always celebrated voices that challenge norms, and McKellen’s words resonate deeply.
“Listen to Your Heart, Not Your Advisers”
McKellen, who came out publicly in 1988 during a BBC radio interview, reflected on his journey. He shared that coming out was transformative, saying, “Almost overnight, everything in my life changed for the better – my relationships, my outlook, even my approach to acting.” For him, living openly wasn’t just liberating; it was life-changing.
He expressed sympathy for those who feel trapped by societal or professional expectations. “I feel sorry for any public figure who believes they can’t reveal their true selves,” he said. His advice was simple yet powerful: “Ignore your advisers. Listen to your heart and trust your friends who know better.”
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
McKellen’s advocacy isn’t new. From co-founding the LGBTQIA+ rights group Stonewall in 1989 to supporting events like Pride London and LGBT History Month, he has consistently championed equality. His groundbreaking work extends to his art as well. In the 1970 adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II, McKellen portrayed a gay king and participated in British television’s first same-sex kissa moment that still resonates with audiences decades later.
“Men my age still tell me how much that kiss meant to them,” McKellen said.
McKellen also pointed out the glaring lack of openly gay figures in certain fields. No openly gay actor has won an Oscar for Best Actor, nor has there been an openly gay UK Prime Minister or Premier League footballer. He believes this absence stems from poor advice given by agents prioritising financial interests over personal authenticity.
“Imagine the impact of the first Premier League footballer to come out,” he speculated. “He’d become the most celebrated player globally, with every agency vying for his endorsement.”
Despite his activism and achievements, McKellen remains grounded. Reflecting on a serious fall last year that left him with injuries, he credited his costume, a fat suit worn during a performance, as an unlikely saviour. “It protected my ribs and other joints,” he joked.
For anyone struggling with their identity or unsure about taking that leap, McKellen offers reassurance: “I’ve never met anyone who came out and regretted it.”
