Owen Jones meets Sir Ian McKellen | 'No one regrets being honest about their sexuality'

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  • Опубліковано 21 бер 2016
  • Sir Ian McKellen has starred in countless William Shakespeare plays, he's taken roles as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings series and Magneto in the X-Men series. But he's also a prominent gay and LGBT rights campaigner, who helped to found Stonewall. I went to meet him to discuss coming out, sexuality and his activism as well as his friendship with Sir Patrick Stewart, his new Shakespeare app and his love of the theatre.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 270

  • @aperson22222
    @aperson22222 8 років тому +107

    I love how casually he can rattle off a Shakespearean monologue.

    • @seankelly378
      @seankelly378 4 роки тому

      @ well it's not his lines , it is amazing he can just bring that up in a convo

  • @thomasshakespeare9675
    @thomasshakespeare9675 8 років тому +29

    Owen: Were you upset by that?
    Ian McKellen: No, because I knew I was right and he was wrong.
    :-)

  • @jawadc97
    @jawadc97 8 років тому +32

    I saw Sir Ian McKellen when he came to my school 6 years ago. Absolute legend, fighting for gay rights.

  • @pezzamange
    @pezzamange 8 років тому +79

    Best way to interview, just let someone interesting talk. Love it.

    • @MikoWilson
      @MikoWilson 5 років тому +2

      @ You are literally a troll. How sad can one person be?

    • @seankelly378
      @seankelly378 4 роки тому

      @ oh fuck off with the transphobia

  • @andej1238
    @andej1238 8 років тому +65

    For anyone wondering, Ian is wearing a £6.00 Marks and Spencer t-shirt. I have the same on in the same colour and I have to say it's an excellent t-shirt. In fact, it changed my life. Thank you so much Marks and Spencer for shining the light on my destined path to finding the perfect, soft-to-the-touch t-shirt.

  • @marktaylor6491
    @marktaylor6491 8 років тому +32

    Owen, that was probably the best interview yet. It helps when you are talking to a man that could make a phone directory seem fascinating. And when he really gets hold of a topic, when he senses an injustice. Obviously, with a bit of help from his old friend William. Ever suggested to him that he should play Tony Benn?

  • @davidanderson3425
    @davidanderson3425 6 років тому +5

    I know this interview is 2yrs old but I've just stumbled on it today. Great interview, Owen. I couldn't help but be impressed with how the conversation was so relaxed. Sir Ian McKellen was clearly at ease and came across as such a lovely man.

  • @Adeodatus100
    @Adeodatus100 8 років тому +17

    Beautiful! I love the look he gives you - and the twinkle in the eye - when you ask "When did you first realise you were gay?"

  • @Taoistdaz
    @Taoistdaz 8 років тому +21

    Thanks, Owen, for sharing this video about an important issue. There are still many places in the world that don't offer such freedoms and equality. Greetings from a follower in Vietnam.

  • @esclad
    @esclad 8 років тому +30

    I have to say, Sir Ian McKellen is a real hero of mine...and a legend. Born in the same town as me.
    Brilliant, insightful interview Owen.

    • @MikoWilson
      @MikoWilson 5 років тому

      @ Wow, you're really going to shit on every comment on this video eh? Honestly man, whatever demons you are battling, do it elsewhere, this is pathetic.

  • @totallyuninspired1
    @totallyuninspired1 8 років тому +3

    Getting a private Shakespeare monologue from McKellen must have been amazing! Had no idea about his involvement in Stonewall, such a lovely man.

  • @End-Result
    @End-Result 8 років тому +39

    Probably the best interview you've ever done. Surprisingly inspiring.

  • @ladyioan
    @ladyioan 8 років тому +11

    what a wonderful conversation! thanks for sharing!

  • @TheRiceFrameofMind
    @TheRiceFrameofMind 8 років тому +26

    Ian is an absolute inspiration, I look up to both these men so much :)

    • @shelleysayer9821
      @shelleysayer9821 4 роки тому

      @Right Winger You horrible person. You sound evil. Why are gay people seen as monsters?

  • @rattynobbs
    @rattynobbs 8 років тому +4

    Please release the unedited version, we need more!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @Jameshonke
    @Jameshonke 8 років тому +4

    The speech that Ian gives is magical :) you know a truly great actor or orator, when despite how busy you are, you just can't stop listening. Truly fantastic - could he make that speech again so that we can make it go viral?!

  • @c0rindotcom
    @c0rindotcom 8 років тому +4

    Great interview. It's really powerful in the short moment where you glimpse the anger and bitterness he still has about the way gay people were treated.

  • @MikeDrumsIt
    @MikeDrumsIt 8 років тому +23

    4:10 "Didn't care whether you were gay, straight or ambidextrous" - I'm gonna use that.

    • @beccastell6439
      @beccastell6439 4 роки тому +1

      He's right! My great uncle said exactly that in an old interview and he was a theatre director at Chichester.

  • @applepye87
    @applepye87 8 років тому +17

    What a fantastically interesting man. Could listen to him for hours.

  • @DanAI17
    @DanAI17 8 років тому +43

    Fantastic interview Owen, only a shame it wasn't longer. since Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are basically the same person it seems only right you interview the other one now.

    • @jlelliotton
      @jlelliotton 8 років тому +9

      And interview Sir Derek Jacobi!

  • @TheAncientBiker
    @TheAncientBiker 8 років тому +8

    Brilliant interview. I never realised what a nice guy he is.

  • @marthaworc7873
    @marthaworc7873 Рік тому +1

    I love Ian's voice and way of speaking. He is a living legend.

  • @crazytosh1
    @crazytosh1 8 років тому +2

    That was an amazing interview. The Thomas More speech was incredible.

  • @carolynwestlake2246
    @carolynwestlake2246 7 років тому +2

    What a great conversation. Thanks to you both😊

  • @TigerPrawn_
    @TigerPrawn_ 8 років тому +6

    Thank you! Amazing!

  • @GraemeMarkNI
    @GraemeMarkNI 8 років тому +5

    Ach that speech gave me goosebumps...

  • @connorwebster8655
    @connorwebster8655 8 років тому +42

    +Owen Jones Hi Owen, are you still taking suggestions of who to interview? If so, how about Dennis skinner?

    • @OwenJonesTalks
      @OwenJonesTalks 8 років тому +21

      +Connor Webster Always taking suggestions! Let's get Dennis on the list.

    • @caxzrockz
      @caxzrockz 8 років тому

      +Owen Jones can you please talk about the Easter Rising on this channel

    • @brandonrenard5192
      @brandonrenard5192 8 років тому +4

      +Owen Jones Also, i'm not sure why but I'd love to see you talk to Mary Berry

    • @sboubalouta
      @sboubalouta 8 років тому +2

      great suggestion! i would love you to interview the beast

    • @Silvbird
      @Silvbird 8 років тому +1

      What about George Galloway?

  • @tjfSIM
    @tjfSIM 5 років тому +2

    Owen, I really think you could teach a thing or two to a lot of journalists who just don't listen, and don't bother to do their research. This came across as a really relaxed and enjoyable interview, because you were really listening to Sir Ian, and cared about what he had to say. Excellent work.

  • @AngelsOfAresED
    @AngelsOfAresED 8 років тому +2

    This interview is fantastic! What a legend and such a well-read gracious man. You did a fantastic job too as usual, Owen!👏

  • @MrKalvinC
    @MrKalvinC 8 років тому +1

    When I was at University I worked behind the cloakroom at the White Swan in East London (I also used to work behind the bar in G-A-Y at the Astoria). Sir Ian came in one evening during the week and he really was just absolutely lovely. Have always loved him. Cracking interview again Owen. Maybe we should meet over a glass of wine to discuss its finer points ...?

  • @Exc13270
    @Exc13270 8 років тому +1

    Owen, thanks for filming this. I really enjoyed it.

  • @zacharyabraham
    @zacharyabraham 8 років тому +1

    these interviews are brilliant

  • @sboubalouta
    @sboubalouta 8 років тому +2

    such a great man, thanks for the interview

  • @MerynCadell
    @MerynCadell 8 років тому +1

    What a lovely, comfortable interview. Shows your chops (I'm new to you as of this moment, but am looking forward to seeing more)... and really shows what smart big heart beats inside Ian McKellen. Thank you.

  • @MrDannyk123
    @MrDannyk123 8 років тому +40

    Please don't take this the wrong way Owen, but I much prefer your videos to your articles. Don't know why, but you're able to convey much deeper meaning on your vlogs. More please!

    • @OwenJonesTalks
      @OwenJonesTalks 8 років тому +16

      +MrDannyk123 No offence taken.

    • @Sdakouls3
      @Sdakouls3 8 років тому +10

      +Owen Jones Ads on your videos? Owen, you cheeky capitalist.

    • @markmcgowanforpm6248
      @markmcgowanforpm6248 8 років тому

      +Owen Jones Please do an interview with Mark McGowan artist taxi driver.

    • @Sdakouls3
      @Sdakouls3 8 років тому

      +Slave2PaperWithInkOn I know. That's not the point. I just find it slightly ironic that Owen uses his channel to push quite left wing political views, but at the same time activates monetisation in order to turn a profit while doing so.

    • @MrDannyk123
      @MrDannyk123 8 років тому +3

      +Sdakouls3 so you can't be left wing and make a living now? k lol

  • @harryb7661
    @harryb7661 8 років тому +1

    What an amazing interview. One of the best you have done so far.

    • @harryb7661
      @harryb7661 8 років тому

      The question you are asking is a stupid hypothetical.

  • @nickthepostpunk5766
    @nickthepostpunk5766 4 роки тому +1

    Loved that interview.

  • @bananasandavocados1391
    @bananasandavocados1391 8 років тому +1

    Very enjoyable to watch ; good work!

  • @PeppyOoze
    @PeppyOoze 8 років тому +24

    OJ - When did you realise you were gay?
    IM - Oh, Owen ...

  • @chrismullan7191
    @chrismullan7191 8 років тому +8

    I think Owen you would be a good M P. You have a good understanding of what life is like for many in Britian today. This is a very scary time and very hard to trust many of our MPS. Sir Ian McKellen is such a great man, very good interview and very open. Keep up the good work Owen and stand up for the people whos voice that does not get heard much any more.

  • @AD-ok8ee
    @AD-ok8ee 8 років тому +1

    Lovely interview. I could listen to him for hours. Two of my favourite people together. Absolutely fantastic. Thank you Owen.

  • @PGTips180
    @PGTips180 8 років тому +4

    Did he call you 'darling' ohmygod what a sweetheart

  • @brucegreenberg7573
    @brucegreenberg7573 6 років тому +1

    Owen, just subscribed, & your Sir Ian McKellen interview was so spot on.I admire the man & his work both on and off the stage.

  • @pamelaec8623
    @pamelaec8623 8 років тому +1

    what a delightful interview and man. cheers

  • @Chrissepisje
    @Chrissepisje 5 років тому +2

    What a wonderful man. May he live long in good health.

  • @albealbyj
    @albealbyj 8 років тому +1

    Favourite yet! What a presence.

  • @judyrussell1853
    @judyrussell1853 8 років тому +1

    A great interview.

  • @njuta
    @njuta 8 років тому +2

    Thank you for asking about Patrick Stewart, I am so charmed by their friendship

  • @kydoren2372
    @kydoren2372 5 років тому +1

    anyone else get goosbumps when sir ian said the line *all the worlds a stage*

  • @ValBlanc19
    @ValBlanc19 8 років тому +1

    Love this !!

  • @sociallyineptspider-man2366
    @sociallyineptspider-man2366 5 років тому +1

    His voice is so soothing

  • @derrickfielden8268
    @derrickfielden8268 8 років тому +1

    Being born in Burnley, so proud of Ian, Best wishes

  • @MikeSmith-pe4sl
    @MikeSmith-pe4sl 8 років тому +2

    This has immediately brightened my day, what a lovely interview, and what a charming fellow Ian comes across as. Owen, can you interview Patrick Stewart now please, it would be geektastic if you interviewed magneto and professor X.

  • @kidkunjer
    @kidkunjer 8 років тому +21

    ian mckellen is awesome :)

  • @MrSatnavatron
    @MrSatnavatron 8 років тому +1

    This is amazing

  • @trevorthompson7604
    @trevorthompson7604 7 років тому +2

    What a great interview thank you owen what a beautiful person sir ian is

  • @johnjohnson467
    @johnjohnson467 8 років тому +1

    nice one owen,great interview.jpj

  • @anthonym4401
    @anthonym4401 8 років тому +1

    Sir Ian McKellen from Burnley what an inspiration.

  • @MrGareth45
    @MrGareth45 8 років тому +1

    What a really interesting interview :)

  • @steventalbot5244
    @steventalbot5244 8 років тому +1

    A truly fantastic fellow. In fact the pair of you are. I've used a fair few Owen Jones quotes on my E and D training and now I have a lovely Ian McKellen quote too. Owen, keep doing what you are doing because you are inspirational. Thank you.

  • @popicelolly
    @popicelolly 8 років тому +1

    Great interview Owen!

  • @nilmagnifico8121
    @nilmagnifico8121 8 років тому +2

    Great, Owen! Most enjoyable.

  • @melmace4063
    @melmace4063 8 років тому

    love love love this interview, as well as the one with Mhairi Black

  • @techtipsuk
    @techtipsuk 8 років тому +7

    I always think of the Extras when I see McKellen, very funny.

    • @cruxcommissa
      @cruxcommissa 8 років тому +5

      'What I do, is I pretend to be the person I'm portraying in the film or play... you're confused'

    • @ihateunicorns867
      @ihateunicorns867 7 років тому

      I remember my girlfriend and I being on the floor in laughter at that scene because we had this rather eccentric landlord at the time who used to over-explain everything in exactly the same way.

    • @rahulkemp6489
      @rahulkemp6489 7 років тому

      ha!

  • @veganxbones
    @veganxbones 8 років тому +23

    What a glorious human being, nice one Owen!

  • @georgeboyd9514
    @georgeboyd9514 8 років тому +2

    we need an other interview with him a part two, come on Owen that was brilliant more time with you two please.

  • @stevencassidy6982
    @stevencassidy6982 8 років тому +1

    ian McKellen is an absolute legend. his coming out was a big thing in 1988

  • @Patrick-jj5nh
    @Patrick-jj5nh 8 років тому +1

    Great interview. I need to see more stuff with Ian in it. For a little underrated gem search out his role as the titular Richard III from 1995, great stuff.

  • @RavenRachelSteele
    @RavenRachelSteele 8 років тому +1

    Loved it 😎

  • @steffischolz7003
    @steffischolz7003 7 років тому +1

    i admire Ian. he seems so friendly. he seems like a nice human being. and that is what is important to me. and i want him to be happy

  • @strangersbyethelcain
    @strangersbyethelcain 11 місяців тому

    sir ian is wonderful!!!! love him and this interview, he seems so lovely I'd love to meet him one day 🥺 very jealous of my dad as he knew sir ian mckellen during ian mckellen's work on coronation street!

  • @jimborhys9659
    @jimborhys9659 4 роки тому +2

    You just see Owens face drop when Ian mentions it was a conservative whip that helped inspire him to start stonewall 😂

  • @lukeharris7355
    @lukeharris7355 8 років тому +1

    I love both these men.
    Great chat.

    • @lukeharris7355
      @lukeharris7355 8 років тому

      Well, whatever floats your boat...
      Technically there is no "white country" on earth. So, not really anyone you could anger by saying to white people a white-only country that doesn't exist, you wouldn't deserve if it did-so.
      Have a great day either way though x

  • @MGustave
    @MGustave 8 років тому +1

    Wow, what an amazing guy, I didn't know anything about his involvement in stonewall!

  • @rimarti72
    @rimarti72 8 років тому +1

    Wonderful

  • @AlieCFatAl
    @AlieCFatAl 8 років тому +10

    Great video Owen, thanks. What about an interview with Akala? Think it would make great conversation.

    • @OwenJonesTalks
      @OwenJonesTalks 8 років тому +10

      +Alex Cripps I would very much like to speak to him.

    • @stuartrichards3570
      @stuartrichards3570 7 років тому

      Having just watched Stewart Lee in Liverpool, I'd say he'd be an interesting interview.

  • @BudFieldsPPTS
    @BudFieldsPPTS 8 років тому +3

    Surely there is more to this incredible moment you can share with us, my friend. To have that opportunity, that moment is worthy of a video reflection. Please?

  • @pauliusd6505
    @pauliusd6505 8 років тому +1

    that ending cut off so unexpectedly

  • @jayviescas7703
    @jayviescas7703 5 років тому +1

    My favorite Sir Ian McKellen movie role will forever be James Wale in Gods and Monsters.

  • @davidryan0808
    @davidryan0808 5 років тому +1

    bounced on here and have to say mate...great job

  • @nanamieg
    @nanamieg 8 років тому +2

    Beautiful, just beautiful !!

  • @lizfuller400
    @lizfuller400 Рік тому

    A national treasure. Love you, Sir Ian, from your Shakespeare to playing Gandalf. Recently saw you in Mother Goose at the Lyceum, in Sheffield. Wonderful fun. All the audience from children to us oldies enjoyed in the fun. Great panto.

  • @paulprior9875
    @paulprior9875 8 років тому +1

    7.50 onwards... my word that was powerful

  • @janiakowska
    @janiakowska 8 років тому +1

    brilliant

  • @megancerys7260
    @megancerys7260 8 років тому +1

    What a wonderful man.

  • @vinylvipress5529
    @vinylvipress5529 Рік тому

    Sir Ian McKellen , Thankyou for you , years of just astonishing work in the arts in it's entirety, every performance, every word,......noteably your reading of Harvey Milk's Hope Speech in 2017 for Figures of Speech in the Almeida Theatre .beautifully powerful and upon watching your interview here my delight at hearing a part of another unforgetable speech you've delivered over the years , The Strangers' Case , Sir Thomas More ........Sir Ian McKellen you are a truly remarkable man 😘😘

  • @NotthatRossKemp
    @NotthatRossKemp 8 років тому +3

    Damn fine actor. Interesting interview! Well done!

  • @phattebytch
    @phattebytch 8 років тому +2

    Legend for sure.

  • @paulalaye6428
    @paulalaye6428 7 років тому +1

    Wow Owen yet again a truly amazing interview, what a fascinating man, And soooo attractive too...

  • @cameronnorman5687
    @cameronnorman5687 8 років тому +2

    good bloke

  • @SYDNEYWOODY1973
    @SYDNEYWOODY1973 8 років тому +2

    Nice, good honest man...

  • @periurban
    @periurban 8 років тому +9

    What a lovely fellow. Were gay men once referred to as"fruits"? Strange to think that something so natural was once illegal.

    • @tomw665
      @tomw665 8 років тому +1

      I wouldn't call it natural. But I agree it shouldn't be illegal.

    • @BlueEyesWhiteTeddy
      @BlueEyesWhiteTeddy 8 років тому +23

      +Tom W It is natural. More natural than wearing clothes, cooking food, brushing your teeth. Being gay is more natural than 99% of the things people do in their life.

    • @tomw665
      @tomw665 8 років тому +1

      +47cybele59 I should start by saying I support gay rights. But I wouldn't describe it as 'natural' as if that's how humans were naturally supposed to be, we'd be extinct. For example, it's not natural for an elephant to be born with two tails...but you'd still expect for that elephant to be treated the same.

    • @tomw665
      @tomw665 8 років тому

      +bill mill You misunderstand me. I didn't say there wasn't room for it, or that if it isn't natual there's no room for it. I said it isn't natual, but that shouldn't stop it happening.

    • @tomw665
      @tomw665 8 років тому

      +47cybele59 Thanks for recommending a book but to be brutally honest I couldn't even properly read your post, too long, boring and confusing...so a book is out of the question.

  • @sirgaymeerkat1994
    @sirgaymeerkat1994 8 років тому +1

    well done Owen excellent interview!

  • @seankelly378
    @seankelly378 4 роки тому +1

    Absolute legend

  • @georgiahardy6376
    @georgiahardy6376 8 років тому +2

    You should interview Derek Jacobi :) (if you haven't already :P) would love to see ian and derek :D

  • @louiscf8252
    @louiscf8252 8 років тому

    Hi Owen. Not sure if you check this but I'm trying to get some work experience in journalism. Do you know what options there are for 15 year old work experience? thanks.

  • @vladark138
    @vladark138 8 років тому +2

    So sweet, too short :)

  • @suninmoon4601
    @suninmoon4601 3 роки тому

    The great Sir Ian McKellen. Beautiful person. Wonderful actor. Truly a national treasure. Even when he's wrong he's right 😘

  • @JediNiyte
    @JediNiyte 8 років тому

    If I were on the couch with Ian McKellen, a nice conversation is the LAST thing that would be happening. RAWR.

  • @siegfried1313
    @siegfried1313 8 років тому +2

    Owen, did your watch stopped during the interview ?