Ian McKellen

By Mark Barratt

Hailed by many as the world’s greatest classical actor, Sir Ian McKellan has been a leading theatrical actor for over 40 years.

Treading the boards in legendary performances of Amadeus, Macbeth and Richard II, Sir Ian McKellen achieved international acclaim on stage before conquering Hollywood in blockbusters like the Lord of the Rings trilogy and X-Men.

A notoriously private man, Mark Barratt’s revealing biography sheds some light on what makes Ian McKellen tick. A prominent LGBT activist, lifelong vegetarian and anti-war campaigner, how does McKellen’s private side intersect with his performances? And how has he changed over the course of his sixty-year career?

Hugely readable and immensely entertaining, Mark Barratt’s intimate biography gives a rare and informed insight into the life and work of one of Britain’s best-loved actors.