Ian McKellen: The Biography by Garry O'Connor

The definitive life of a stage and screen legend.

Very Good Condition – Light cover wear with minor edge and corner wear. Pages show light tanning, and the binding remains firm.

Long before he took on the role of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, Sir Ian McKellen had already built a towering career on the British stage. From his 1964 West End debut and his Tony-winning turn as Salieri in Amadeus, to landmark Shakespearean performances as Macbeth, Iago and King Lear, McKellen's body of work spans over four hundred plays and films. In this warm, insider biography, longtime friend and acclaimed theatrical biographer Garry O'Connor traces McKellen's remarkable journey from repertory theatre to global stardom, alongside his personal story — including his years of keeping his sexuality private before becoming one of the most prominent and tireless campaigners for LGBT rights. Packed with backstage anecdotes and drawing on decades of friendship, this is a rich, affectionate portrait of one of the great actors of our time.