Ian McKellen Says Gay Actors Should Be Open About Their Identities: 'Being in the Closet is Silly'

Sir Ian McKellen is encouraging young gay actors to embrace their identities.

The 85-year-old actor said in a new interview that gay performers should help fight against discrimination in the entertainment industry by being open about who they are.

“I have never met anybody who came out who regretted it. I feel sorry for any famous person who feels they can’t come out,” Ian told The Times of London.

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Ian himself came out as gay in 1988, and now wants others in his community to follow in his footsteps.

“Being in the closet is silly — there’s no need for it. Don’t listen to your advisers, listen to your heart. Listen to your gay friends who know better. Come out. Get into the sunshine,” he added.

If you didn’t see, Ian made an appearance in December 2024 to support Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson for the premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.