Sir Ian McKellen’s career has been one of incredible variety, with the actor taking on countless Shakespearean stage roles and parts in Hollywood blockbusters.
Here, the Press Association looks at photos that have captured important moments in his career.
Thanks to Christopher Plummer for his kind remarks – and for NOT playing Gandalf! http://t.co/sS3ON34vfX pic.twitter.com/4tCjNNhnjx
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) March 31, 2015
He is best known for playing the bearded wizard Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings film trilogy. More recently, he has earned plaudits for his turn as King Lear at the Duke Of York’s Theatre in London’s West End.
King Lear again: 100 performances at Duke of York’s in London where I made my West End debut 1964. It’s a small theatre but we shall make it even more intimate by removing half the stalls seats. First performance is 11th July. https://t.co/SRoH1hWxjJ pic.twitter.com/pYSJ6pPv7X
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) February 8, 2018
Since coming out as gay in 1988, Sir Ian has been an advocate of the pro-LGBT cause. Here he is speaking on the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
![Sir Ian McKellen marks decriminalisation of homosexuality anniversary](http://image.assets.pressassociation.io/v2/image/production/a247186e7ec6655fb2d953f434aaad83Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaCwxNTQxNzgyMTkw/2.31826376.jpg?w=640)
Sir Ian may not have received a formal education in acting, but in 2013 he was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Ulster. Here he is regaling students at the university.
![Sir Ian McKellen honoured](http://image.assets.pressassociation.io/v2/image/production/043914d09cf2deb9020252264b499b5dY29udGVudHNlYXJjaCwxNTQxNzgyODM1/2.15699216.jpg?w=640)
In 1999, Sir Ian was cast as the super-villain Magneto in the big screen adaption of the X-Men comic books. His turn as the sinister mutant introduced him to a new generation of fans.
Here he poses with co-stars Sir Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender at the premiere of X-Men Days of Future Past in 2014.
![X-Men: Days of Future Past Premiere – London](http://image.assets.pressassociation.io/v2/image/production/4bc01c2a4b2389820306ec6ca7606d0eY29udGVudHNlYXJjaCwxNTQxNzgyMTAw/2.19801260.jpg?w=640)
#TBT 1980 during my year-long run in "Amadeus" on Broadway. pic.twitter.com/NiWDu7X4ly
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) October 18, 2018
Here Sir Ian is introduced to the Prince of Wales alongside good friend Dame Judi Dench at Buckingham Palace. Also pictured is former Marks & Spencer chairman Andrew Stone and his wife.
![PofW McKellen/Dench](http://image.assets.pressassociation.io/v2/image/production/697520bb4c9df12f87bc5465dd3a2e15Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaCwxNTQxNzgyMDA2/2.1062930.jpg?w=640)
#OTD Twenty years ago, on this day, 4 November (1998) GODS AND MONSTERS opened in cinemas. https://t.co/01NtpoERTV pic.twitter.com/oaxofGTdrm
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) November 4, 2018
Sir Ian made an appearance during the Opening Ceremony of the London Paralympic Games 2012 as Prospero from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest.
![London Paralympic Games – Day 0](http://image.assets.pressassociation.io/v2/image/production/257e625fb767ff6177cf78061c58c8b9Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaCwxNTQxNzgxOTA0/2.14407136.jpg?w=640)
#TBT #OTD 7 December 2005, "Aladdin" opened its reprise run at The Old Vic in London, with me as Widow Twankey and Roger Allam as Abbanazar https://t.co/r65wF3sOlI pic.twitter.com/3UrnsowqLo
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) December 7, 2017