Long before becoming a household name as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings or Magneto in the X-Men franchise, Ian McKellen received some unexpected counsel from a cinematic icon. In a recent interview with The Guardian, McKellen revealed that Alec Guinness, the original actor to portray Obi-Wan Kenobi, once advised him to abandon his activism for gay rights.

The Lunch Meeting in Pimlico

The encounter took place during a private lunch in Pimlico, where the two British actors met to chat. However, the conversation took a turn when Guinness brought up McKellen’s involvement with Stonewall, the prominent UK lobby group dedicated to securing legal equality for lesbians and gay men.

According to McKellen, the legendary Star Wars star felt that political engagement was inappropriate for someone in the acting profession.

"He thought it somewhat unseemly for an actor to dabble in public or political affairs and advised me, sort of pleaded with me, to withdraw," McKellen shared. He noted that while it was advice from an older generation, he ultimately chose not to follow it.

The Legacy of Stonewall and Alec Guinness

While the exact date of the meeting remains unconfirmed, it likely occurred around 1989 during the founding of Stonewall. Despite Guinness's reservations, McKellen’s commitment to the cause helped drive massive legislative shifts in the United Kingdom.

Since its inception, Stonewall has achieved several landmark victories, including:

  • Challenging the ban on gay and lesbian members within the UK armed forces.
  • Supporting the legal introduction of same-sex marriage.
  • Advocating for numerous pieces of equality legislation across the country.

Alec Guinness passed away in 2000, leaving behind a massive legacy that included an Academy Award, Tony Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA. Much like McKellen, he was also knighted for his contributions to the arts.

What’s Next for Ian McKellen?

While reflecting on his past, McKellen continues to remain one of the most active performers in Hollywood. His upcoming projects include:

  • The Christophers: A film centered on two siblings who forge their father's unfinished paintings to increase their value.
  • Avengers: Doomsday: A highly anticipated return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Magneto.
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum: A reunion with his iconic role as Gandalf, slated for release next year.