Sir Ian McKellen has said he wishes he had “seen the significance” of coming out as gay much earlier.
The veteran actor spoke to the Huffington Post about his decision not to come out until later in his career, saying once he did, he was much happier and “freer”.
The 76-year-old came out as gay in 1988, when campaigning against the now defunct Section 28.
Speaking to the Huffington Post, he said: “I think up to that point, I had been using acting as a disguise—somewhere where I could express my emotions, and draw attention to myself in a way that I didn’t particularly want to do in real life.
“Acting became not about disguise, but about telling the truth. And my emotions became much freer. I was able to act better as I think you are able to do any job. Everyone’s better if they’re being honest.”
Going on, he spoke of regret for not having come out earlier in his career.
“I regret and always shall that I didn’t see the significance of coming out at a much earlier date because I think I would have been a different person and a happier one,” the actor continued.
“Self-confidence is the most important thing that anybody can have. You don’t have that if part of you is ashamed or hiding something. I can reassure people who don’t feel they’re able to, the world will like you better because people like honesty and authenticity.”
Sir Ian McKellen; Father Gaybraham.
You can’t imagine? You should come speak to a Nigerian. A majority of us gay men here will bring that imagination alive in your mind by the time that dialogue is over.
lol
No I can’t. And I’ve spoken to lots of people about it. It hasn’t been my experience. I feel sorry for people who don’t have that option.
I feel envy for people who do. 🙂
Hopefully some day it will be possible for everybody in my country, yours and everywhere else. Best wishes to you.
Father Gaybraham.
Lol.
Fitz, well done.
SMH for you Fitz
Hahaha! Fitz,u’re too wrong for this…too,too wrong! LMAO
And Gandalf… My boo..☺☺.. Look @ my avatar..
You out to your people Max? No? Tot as much.. No way you got such “balls”
Humor dear… Learn to recognize it..
*brings out garden scissors*** *cuts your crooked claws**
@Wildero, it will take upwards of 70yrs for attitudes to change here, the culture and religion induced homophobia is alive and kicking stronger everyday …
I can’t imagine how awful life would be to be stuck in the closet for so long.
Amen to that
Eeeyah
Hmmm. Magneto.
“You don’t have that if part of you is ashamed or hiding something”
You’ve heard it people.. Come out to your people and be happier 🙂
Coolness personified. Ian Mckellen
Epitome of awesomeness!
Dopest man of his generation IMO.
To say I love this man is an understatement.
There goes my fav wizard of all time
I wonder what his sigil is tho..
I would so do you lan, even if you were a first grade #basher….
This whole coming out ish is becoming so tempting and…….*shuts Adamantium cast door to closet tightly with locks forged from a shooting star and goes back to filing nails*
Coming out?????? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm naaaa maybe in 80 years time….
Hmmm
Max, isn’t that Dumbledoore? :s
Baits the Duchess outta her Royally and exquisitely furnished closet with an illusion of god-like hunks waving tasty chocolate candy bars in-between their thighs for the asking *comeon gurl! We both know you want the “freedom” to SEE,FEEL and TASTE the world. Winks* *Sits on ornate ivory chair deep inside closet and peers deep into Crystal ball as evil smile spreading wryly across face*
Yea I wish I could be like a. Straight guy kissing my boyfriend anywhere and being myself but in a country like nigeria it can never happen just met a beautiful gay dude and he so so cool and I really like him so much you guys should pray he ask me out