You Might Be Surprised to Learn That These Celebrities Are Queer

Sir Ian McKellen

Year They Came Out of the Closet: 1988

Sir Ian McKellen, celebrated for his legendary roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and X-Men films, is also openly and proudly gay. Born on May 25, 1939, McKellen has had a remarkable career, earning two Academy Award nominations, five Primetime Emmy nominations, and four British Academy Film Award nominations.

McKellen’s first significant relationship was with history teacher Brian Taylor, lasting from 1964 to 1972. In 1978, he met Sean Mathias at the Edinburgh Festival. Their relationship, which faced career challenges, ended in 1988, but they remained friends, with Mathias later directing McKellen in 2009.