The Knighthood Debate

Renowned actor Sir Ian McKellen, best known for his role as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, recently shared his thoughts on accepting a knighthood, a decision that almost didn’t happen. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 for his services to performing arts, McKellen received another prestigious honor in 2008 when he was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour. Yet, he revealed that he once considered turning down the title.

A Thoughtful Decision

"If I’d been a man of adamant principle, I would have turned down the knighthood," McKellen said in an interview with The Times. "After all, many have done: Paul Scofield, Albert Finney, David Hockney, Harold Pinter I’d have been in very good company. But my heroes Sir Laurence [Olivier], Sir John [Gielgud], Sir Ralph [Richardson], Sir Alec [Guinness], Sir Tyrone [Guthrie] had fallen for it."

McKellen is not alone in contemplating refusal. Stars such as David Bowie and filmmaker Ken Loach famously declined similar honors, critiquing the British honors system and its associations with monarchy and empire.

The Key Influence

So, what made Sir Ian decide to accept? The advice of his close friend and Stonewall co-founder, Michael Cashman, played a pivotal role. Cashman urged him: “Oh, Ian, it’ll be so useful.” McKellen agreed, noting that the title indeed "opens doors." As an example, he pointed out Sir Keir Starmer, whose title helped project an image of respectability.

However, accepting the knighthood didn’t come without its challenges. Sir Ian recalled a friend's warning: “You are about to discover your best friends are your worst enemies,” signaling the backlash he experienced from some peers.

Humorous Encounters with the Queen

Reflecting on his interactions with Queen Elizabeth II, McKellen shared a memorable moment when he received another honor in 2008. The Queen quipped, “You’ve been doing this for an awfully long time,” to which McKellen replied, “Well, not as long as you.” The witty exchange earned him a royal smile, but the Queen followed up with the playful question: “Does anyone still actually go to the theatre?”

Sir Ian's Continued Success

Even as he navigates the complexities of his honors, McKellen continues to shine on the big screen. His latest film, The Critic, is now playing in cinemas, further cementing his status as a legend in the entertainment industry.