Ep 196. Ian McKellen

Tavis Smiley season 9 episode 196 features a special guest, the renowned actor Ian McKellen. In this episode, host Tavis Smiley sits down with McKellen to discuss his illustrious career as one of Britain's most celebrated actors.

McKellen opens up about his roots, growing up in Northern England during World War II and finding solace in the local theater. He speaks about his early struggles as an actor, including his deep fear of being typecast in certain roles, and the steps he took to break out of that mold and become one of the most versatile performers of his generation.

Throughout the episode, McKellen shares his thoughts on a variety of topics, including the importance of diversity in the arts, the thrill of performing Shakespeare, and the challenges of portraying complex historical figures such as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings films and Magneto in the X-Men franchise.

The conversation also touches on McKellen's personal life, including his decision to come out as gay in the late 1980s and the impact that has had on his career and activism. He talks about his involvement in the fight for LGBTQ rights both in the UK and around the world, and shares his thoughts on the progress that has been made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

As always, Tavis Smiley provides a thoughtful and engaging platform for his guests to share their stories and insights, and this episode featuring Ian McKellen is no exception. Whether you're a fan of McKellen's work on stage and screen, or simply interested in hearing from one of the most fascinating and influential figures in modern theater, this episode is not to be missed.