Sir Ian McKellen | Full Address and Q&A | Oxford Union
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Published 2017-12-06
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Sir Ian is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most treasured actor, immortalised by his legendary depictions of characters such as Gandalf and Magneto. His acting is characterised by leadership, wisdom, and charming humour. His six Laurence Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Oscar nominations speak for his considerable contribution to the arts. An outstanding LGBTQ+ rights campaigner, Sir Ian co-founded Stonewall, and became a patron of Oxford Pride in 2006.
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All Comments (21)
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"Full address" my ass. I watched this three times and it NEVER said where this mans lives.
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I heard he didn't show up to this talk on the agreed time, but he wasn't late. Nor was he early. He arrived PRESCISLY when he intended.
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"The only label you need is your name." Great respect for this man. In the angry times we live in, where titles and identity politics become a tool to shame each other or gain standing, rather than seeing each other for their basic humanity and individuality.
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What a man: humane, witty, clever... just lovely. His picture should be on pound notes. I just love him.
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instant like. It's Ian McKellen
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I really like him. I respect that he turned down the money for writing the autobiogrophy/memoar because he felt it wasn't right for him. I really respect that he didn't take the money to officiate that wedding dressed as Gandalf. I really respect him for saying out loud that he cares about many different causes, but are only vocal about the ones he feels he knows enough about, which is being gay and being an actor. I like that he doesn't start babbeling the second a question has been asked, he takes his time, thinks, and gives his answer in a thought out way.
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When he talks, people listen. That's a rare quality in a human being. Much love to him. If I could meet any one celebrity person, it would certainly be this man.
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Sir Ian McKellen is a beautiful human.
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"The only label you need is your name." Mad respect to Sir Ian McKellan!
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his voice, the way he expresses himself with charisma is just beautiful. much respect for Ian.
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Every year or so I come back and listen to this talk. Its such a good one. You can hear a pin drop when he tells the audience to speak to their parents and how he never got the chance to come out to his own. Also, look how he chooses to stand up and walk backwards and forwards in the middle instead of sitting down and addressing the audience like the many speakers before him have done. It's a simple change but I like it
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'A good way to approach Shakespeare , studying him, or reading him, or acting in him is to say, once upon a time ' Profound and true statement.
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End of term exams - Ian McKellen: "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"
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" We don't need labels".What a genius of a man.
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Imagine being a teacher and getting an applause like this everytime you enter. Don't forget to hug your TA before starting.
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It's so amazing that he actually takes his time answering questions, relates to people, isn't afraid of showing emotions and never quite loses his impish sense of humor when discussing any topic. Ian McKellen is not only a great actor, but a great man.
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Im getting anxiety whenever Sir Ian is walking backwards, hoping he wont trip on the steps.
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Can you imagine having him as a grandfather?? I can’t even...Precious treasure of a man ❤️❤️
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This my friends is how to hold an audience in the palm of your hand. also his short pauses are absolutely epic.!!
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He is a gift to mankind! Love his sense of humor - not to mention his great acting!
