*"I have the front door key for Bag End, which I know Peter Jackson is looking for, but will never find."* He's keeping it secret, he's keeping it safe.
Christopher Lee was perfect as Saruman. The character was known for his commanding voice in the books, and *no one* had a more commanding voice than Christopher Lee.
he was the only one in the crew to meet Tolkien and was told he'd make a very good Gandalf, though. The only reason he wasn't cast as Gandalf is that there were a lot of horse riding scenes, while Saruman was mostly just talking scenes.
I subbed with your account A lot. Lee fought in The Winter War and ww2. He hunted Nazis, he met royalty, he spoke English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish, a bit of Dutch, Russian and Mandarin Chinese
@@Anti-HyperLink A war between Finland and the USSR. (or Soviet Union) At the time the Soviet Union was under the rule of Joseph Stalin. A paranoid buffon who believed that Finland would join an alliance with Nazi Germany and thus launched a pre-emptive attack on the Finns. However Stalin was so bad at commanding the army that the Finns held their own. The Finns also received help from many nations including Britain. Christopher Lee was a volunteer from Britain and fought alongside the Finns against the Soviets. Ironically the Soviet attack caused the Finns to join up with the Germans, exactly what the Soviets had been trying to prevent.
It was his favourite dish his mother would make for him before she taken away from him in the concentration camps, awaking his power and bringing him to his full potential as Magneto.
@@guysome3263 He's saying he was among the first people, if not the first, to publish regular personal updates & thoughts online. Which is what blogging - at least originally - is. But someone else invented the word "blog" for that type of website and "blogging" for the activity.
I don't think it's sadness. It's more like calmness and concentration and his own focused persona. Maybe glimpses of a feeling that he would like to relive those memories he is talking about but i don't think it's sadness.
It's funny that Lee wanted to be Gandalf, because in the stories Gandalf was offered to be the leader of the wizard council, but did not desire to be, and it was offered to Saruman instead. Saruman greatly resented that he only got the job after Gandalf declined. It's not a perfect analogy, but I find it quite humorous.
Is it in the Silmarillion? I have yet to read it, but I'm pretty sure it's not in the Hobbit or the Lord of the Rings though? Really cool and fitting though.
I love Ian McKellen. In this world full of bland, despicable people, he gives me true comfort. Listening to him talk reminds me there ARE people out there that are genuinely good and warm on the inside.
I have this embarrassing thing where overwhelming works of art make me cry. I've actually googled it to see if there are other weirdos like me and there apparently are. Great music, inspiring paintings, priceless relics..I tear up. Watching Sir Ian speak makes me tear up. Total sap..but he's a human work of art. I adore him.
I could listen to him forever. He could talk about the dullest stuff for all I care, his voice and his personality are so charming. He's such a cool dude!
I couldn't help smiling a bit when I read you. In Spain, where all films are dubbed, there's this one actor who dubs both Ian McKellen and Morgan Freeman. His name is Pepe Mediavilla. He's old but he has his own UA-cam channel.
Sir Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellan and Peter Cushing. Three of the greatest men in British film history, no film history in general actually. It's sad only one of them is still left.
There's something to be said for having been fortunate to spend most of your entire life doing work that you love and can do well and that others recognise you for. And not having kids. :-)
"Preferably one who would outlive me." This hit me so hard since I actually have to prepare the first time in my life to watch my dog go towards his end. I guess everybody feels that way who lost a best friend dog before.
I still think dying last is the better option. Dying and knowing that you are leaving your dog behind would be quite hard as well imho. Best scenario would probably be dying on the same day..
Agreed you can tell near the end talking about Christopher lee, Ian sounded like he was a little choked up, I’m pretty sure he and Christopher Lee were good friends
9:23 Imagine being this person for a moment: Person: "Oh my God Sir Ian McKellen is doing an AMA on my birthday, I'm so giddy" Sir Ian: "Happy Birthday" Person: *Giddiness Overload*
I love how he stops speaking in the middle of a sentence, how he thinks how he will construct a new thought. Years of experience are talking from him in those moments.
What a wonderfully, delightfully, classy gentleman! He and Patrick Stewart both. I would be greatly honoured if I were to meet either one of them one day.
I love this interview! He is thinking about everything he says and editing them before he speaks, but he is still so honest and sincere! Extraordinary man!
I've been listening to his interviews for the past days to help me fall asleep his voice soothes me and calms me down very much it helps greatly with my anxiety
One of my all time favorite UA-cam videos. I had a tear in my eye watching this, as I find Sir McKellen to be one of the greatest of actors. I really wish I could meet him one day.
Thank you for having Sir McKellen. This made my heart very happy. I've been a fan for years and I deeply respect him as an actor, activist and person. I could listen to his real deal thoughts forever and never be bored.
What I love about Sir Ian is that despite being a world famous actor for both stage and film, and also being knighted, he still acts incredibly humbly and sweetly. And he's very wise and articulate in his answers. He is the standard for all actors to live up to.
I've been reading his blog for the past half hour and I must say, I LOVE the way he writes. His writing is as easy and calming to follow as his speech. I started reading his "Grey Book" blog where he notes his time spent filming the first LOTR movie, it's so interesting and I love his takes on things!
+CLUTCH1ST The knighting gets in the way because the title forces him to act in a way that must not disrespect the title. That means not having a lot of fun....
Absolutely broke my heart when Sir Ian said be careful about where you go on vacation always check the local laws if you want to be safe, nobody should ever have to do that when planning a holiday!
*"I have the front door key for Bag End, which I know Peter Jackson is looking for, but will never find."*
He's keeping it secret, he's keeping it safe.
Scrubworks this made me lol
well, not super secret anymore tho^^
Alright then, keep your secrets
"UA-cam...McKellen... Well that would lead them here!" (insert peter jackson scream)
Gollum : I'll find the key it's mine my own my preciousss
Only Sir Ian could read a basic 5 ingredient recipe and make it sound borderline Shakespearian.
Well Sir Lee and Sir Stewart could too.
Kindred Spirit Sir Lee has passed away.
Sir Christopher and Sir Patick.*
Sorry, it bothered me.*
You forgot the fullstops and that bothered me.
You forgot the fullstops, and that bothered me.*
You forgot the comma, and that bothered me.
Or any other Shakespearean actor.
Christopher Lee was perfect as Saruman. The character was known for his commanding voice in the books, and *no one* had a more commanding voice than Christopher Lee.
he was the only one in the crew to meet Tolkien and was told he'd make a very good Gandalf, though. The only reason he wasn't cast as Gandalf is that there were a lot of horse riding scenes, while Saruman was mostly just talking scenes.
Now that McKellen has played Gandalf, I couldn't imagine anyone else playing the role at all.
Shady Void same
Shady Void i can for sure imagine Christopher as Gandalf, he's a great actor i don't see why not
He's not as nice.
-mentions royal shakespeare company-Teacup and saucer materialise
Brian Nicholson I saw that too and found it as humorous as it was.
Welcome to Britain!
Its even funnier how blatantly obvious it is that the cup is empty.
It's relatively common knowledge that any Briton born prior to 1970 can summon tea by invoking the name of Shakespeare
+trequor it's knowledge still passed from parent to child in sum families to this day
I got a little teary listening to him talk about Christopher Lee, you could just hear the respect, love and friendship in his voice.
Very masculine of you.
Greg S is there something wrong about what he said?
Yeah it's not very masculine
Being afraid of crying just because you are a man really shows how insecure you are ;)
I would argue getting teary over an actor one has never met is the insecure behaviour.
If Sir Ian McKellen ever insulted me, I'd probably giggle like a school girl and faint
Having Ian McKellen point at you and yell "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!" is an outright honor.
Student after an exam: "And? How good was I?"
Sir Ian, the teacher: "You shall not pass."
XD
Yes, but he's way too polite to ever do that...
NiTEWoLF259
I'd probably thank him first then promptly drop to the floor. LOL
The clear respect that he has for Christopher Lee is.. heartwarming.
how much did Christopher Lee do
I subbed with your account A lot. Lee fought in The Winter War and ww2. He hunted Nazis, he met royalty, he spoke English, French, Spanish, German, Swedish, a bit of Dutch, Russian and Mandarin Chinese
Apparently he was a pretty decent singer to boot !! What a man !
@@justinspeaks.1652 The Winter War?
@@Anti-HyperLink A war between Finland and the USSR. (or Soviet Union) At the time the Soviet Union was under the rule of Joseph Stalin. A paranoid buffon who believed that Finland would join an alliance with Nazi Germany and thus launched a pre-emptive attack on the Finns. However Stalin was so bad at commanding the army that the Finns held their own. The Finns also received help from many nations including Britain. Christopher Lee was a volunteer from Britain and fought alongside the Finns against the Soviets. Ironically the Soviet attack caused the Finns to join up with the Germans, exactly what the Soviets had been trying to prevent.
I’ve never heard someone use the word “bitch” for its actual meaning. Only Ian McKellen lol
Only someone so distinguished could make it work in its original context, nowadays. Just doesn't sound right otherwise
"Preferably a dog that would outlive me."
this makes me so sad in so many ways
@@leonlx564 Every party needs a pooper that's why they invited you.
Party pooooooperrrrr.
Party pooooooperrrrr.
@@leonlx564 yes, every comments section needs a condescending idiot of an asshole like you
@@leonlx564 well aren't you a bundle of joy, we said memories not bloody life its self you nincompoop
Hello There that is so nice to think of
@@jessegd6306 Nananananananananana Dende!
Dende! Dende!
NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
"Hello, I'm an actor, my name is Ian McKellen."
Go home Gandalf, you're drunk.
His love of the halfling's leaf has clouded his mind.
You messed it up. It's "Hello, I am an actor. My name is Ian McKellen. Go home drunk, you're Gandalf"
Too much of that Green Dragon...
Ian McKellen is a very lovely old man
+Michael Thompson i want to ask if he can REALLY move metal, because I'm sceptical.
+Michael Thompson Had to put the "old" in there? Can he just be a lovely man?
+Xusia Dyenvae Nothing wrong with being old.
a high quality wine
did you just categorised his age?
he might see himself as a baby please don't be racist.
"...for the royal Shakespear company." *pulls out some tea*
Possibly the most british thing he could have done there. That was great.
So... Gandalf told the dwarves that Bilbo was the master thief... Little did they know... Gandalf was the master thief the whole time...
nice one LOL
cool
BILBO BAGGINS, DO NOT TAKE ME FOR SOME CONJUROR OF CHEAP TRICKS! I am not trying to rob you!
Little did he know...
@@filiperocha4025 Conjurer
Just wizard things. It's never anything particularly important in the grand scheme, but they have their fun
"I was never allowed to look Elijah Wood in the eyes."
Elijah, what a drama queen.
MHP Le He said that he had to do it in order to create the illusion of different heights so that wasnt really elijah's fault
xomegaxz
-----Joke---->
Your head
Kawaii Stefan
He said that he had to do it in order to create the illusion of different heights so that wasnt really elijah's fault
You missed the joke
r/woosh
I could listen to him talk all day
Yes I find it very soothing and calming, but still impactful. :)
+Eefje Poppelaars I could look at your profile pic all day
+Mauricio Hernández Díaz Chill man it's youtube comments
+Erik Lapoo Didn't say anything improper.
I know! He seems like such a nice man! I bet it'd be awesome to have him as a grandfather or uncle.
He looks quite melancholic when describing his favorite meal.....
It was his favourite dish his mother would make for him before she taken away from him in the concentration camps, awaking his power and bringing him to his full potential as Magneto.
I wonder if there's any story behind the meal.
He's an old man. I'm sure he's made it many times. Good times, and bad times.
@@YoUtUbEhAnDlEsArEgReAt OAHAHAHAHAH I WAS LIKE "oh my god this is so sad- wait. this is familiar..."
"I invented blogging, it's just that I didn't invent the word" OMG XD
Yep. The way he said that was perfect. McKellan the Grey is really a genius!
If that does not show the intelligence of the man then I do not know what does...
That went over my head could you explain it to me, please?
@@guysome3263 He's saying he was among the first people, if not the first, to publish regular personal updates & thoughts online.
Which is what blogging - at least originally - is.
But someone else invented the word "blog" for that type of website and "blogging" for the activity.
i feel some kind of sadness when he speaks, in his motions....
He's just a Shakespearean actor.
He's british
It's 100% the music choice
I don't think it's sadness. It's more like calmness and concentration and his own focused persona. Maybe glimpses of a feeling that he would like to relive those memories he is talking about but i don't think it's sadness.
He just seems so fragile i wanna give him a hug and a blanket.
It's funny that Lee wanted to be Gandalf, because in the stories Gandalf was offered to be the leader of the wizard council, but did not desire to be, and it was offered to Saruman instead. Saruman greatly resented that he only got the job after Gandalf declined. It's not a perfect analogy, but I find it quite humorous.
Is it in the Silmarillion? I have yet to read it, but I'm pretty sure it's not in the Hobbit or the Lord of the Rings though? Really cool and fitting though.
@@sakrira look up Unfinished Tales. There’s a chapter about the origins of the wizards.
@@Lawmune thank you!
Ian Mckellen: *Exists*
[Everyone liked that]
I love him 🥺
I'm just happy that Ian McKellen made it in the internet era.
Even Carl Jung made it here, mate
Christopher Lee lived to his 90s
@@davidtimmer596 There is hope, then.
“Unless the other eight are meeting without letting me know,”
That just makes me sad lol
They don’t meet or Sean Bean would die
This ought to cheer you up a bit: ua-cam.com/video/l_U0S6x_kCs/v-deo.html
@@IAlwaysWantedToTryThat if was just thinking of that- it was such a beautiful emotional video
You don't know what "lol" means, right?
@@IAlwaysWantedToTryThat ty
Man do I love this guy. If only he could play in films FOREVER...
he will.. his films will always be around, forever...
I love Ian McKellen. In this world full of bland, despicable people, he gives me true comfort. Listening to him talk reminds me there ARE people out there that are genuinely good and warm on the inside.
Someone just got a happy birthday from Ian McKellen, my envy has officially peaked.
My friend once got a signed happy birthday card from the man himself, jealously is an understatement!
Just feel happy for the bastard that received it!
"We plan to meet each year. But so far we never have." Sounds like a highschool reunion.
I have this embarrassing thing where overwhelming works of art make me cry. I've actually googled it to see if there are other weirdos like me and there apparently are. Great music, inspiring paintings, priceless relics..I tear up. Watching Sir Ian speak makes me tear up. Total sap..but he's a human work of art. I adore him.
He's _an_ actor, he says... a _mere actor!_ The humility...
What, you expected him to say: "I am THE actor?"
Of course he had to be drinking tea XD Fucking legend.
What did you expect? He's british after all.
may be whiskey??
piping piping True. Tea, coffee, and water ( I think ) are the worlds most popular drinks. perhaps alcohol is pretty high idk??
I might look all this up.
Tea's pretty common in the common wealth countries, and a lot of Asian countries.... I'm sure there's more
Man i love how slow he talks, you really can tell how much he's thinking before he speaks and conveys so much confidence, stuff to live by.
What a delightful man. Listening to him soothes my soul.
He is an awfully horrid man in real life though, shame really.
Well, that's just a blatant lie.
Its not, my dad has worked with people he has they say he has a bad temper.
Lucas Cavendish I call BS.
Johan Persson Maybe the people that worked with him were shit at their job, or difficult to work with for some reason. Maybe he had a bad day.
God, it would be amazing to have a long checkers or chess game with this grand fellow.
Or two comfortable seats at a small pub and a pint or two.
or all of the above
The World Is Logic not sure that's quite Ian's style but we certainly shouldn't underestimate how much fun the man is.
This man has more character in his little finger than most people could ever hope to have
This man just exhales culture and class and without ever losing his sense of humor and awareness.
I'm a huge fan.
if this was extended with less loud music, the ASMR would be overwhelmingly beautiful
Omg yes, I was looking for this comment. Specially at 1:47
Meh, it's still overwhelmingly beautiful.
I’ve acc used it for asmr. Just had to power through with the music
The music is incredibly obnoxious either way and poorly contrasts with McKellen's thoughtful, slow answers.
Extended cuts with any thing LOTR related are clearly best
You know when someone has been knighted by HM when he can conjure a cup of tea out of thin air 0:30
That's the power of white wizard
I could listen to him forever. He could talk about the dullest stuff for all I care, his voice and his personality are so charming. He's such a cool dude!
This man is a timeless legend. Not only a great actor, but a great man.
Ian McKellen and Morgan Freeman should do something together: either acting or narrating
Human ears may not be able to pick up the tones of such greatness.
Yourname942 I didn't knew i needed a movie with Sir Ian McKellen and Morgan Freeman as the main characters until now
dankiel memelife lol
I couldn't help smiling a bit when I read you. In Spain, where all films are dubbed, there's this one actor who dubs both Ian McKellen and Morgan Freeman. His name is Pepe Mediavilla. He's old but he has his own UA-cam channel.
Just a double narration and a black screen would get MCU movie sales.
3:25 Sir Ian McKellen got tears in his eyes when he talked about Christopher Lee, and that made me cry. :-(
I love how he played as Magneto who was an extremist, but he's more like Charles Xavier in what he's striving to accomplish.
Sir Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellan and Peter Cushing. Three of the greatest men in British film history, no film history in general actually. It's sad only one of them is still left.
Michael Cain and Patrick Stewart?
you forgot about Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart and Anthony Hopkins
he looks great for a man of 76 years
Roman R GAYYYY
Lord Voldemort maybe they didn't want to troll but rather suggested the reason for him still looking so good: being gay. :) Who knows?
@Lord Voldemort a bit. :) but there is more to my answer.
There's something to be said for having been fortunate to spend most of your entire life doing work that you love and can do well and that others recognise you for.
And not having kids. :-)
"Preferably one who would outlive me."
This hit me so hard since I actually have to prepare the first time in my life to watch my dog go towards his end.
I guess everybody feels that way who lost a best friend dog before.
Oh fuck thats my worst fear 😭😭 condolences to u
I still think dying last is the better option. Dying and knowing that you are leaving your dog behind would be quite hard as well imho. Best scenario would probably be dying on the same day..
This man has so much class.
lmfao ian mckellen has the key to bagend.. "peter jackson is looking for it, but he will never find"... for some reason this made me laugh os hard
Ian speaks, I weep. Simple formula. What an incredible human.
The bit with Sherlock Holmes and Christopher Lee was sad.
Agreed you can tell near the end talking about Christopher lee, Ian sounded like he was a little choked up, I’m pretty sure he and Christopher Lee were good friends
It's hard to find someone alive today who is more admirable than this man.
or dead for that matter.
This guy makes drinking tea look more badass than it really is. :-D
*guy puts a gun to your head*
Look at this tea, bitch.
Now watch me fuckin drink it.
9:23 Imagine being this person for a moment:
Person: "Oh my God Sir Ian McKellen is doing an AMA on my birthday, I'm so giddy"
Sir Ian: "Happy Birthday"
Person: *Giddiness Overload*
I love how he stops speaking in the middle of a sentence, how he thinks how he will construct a new thought.
Years of experience are talking from him in those moments.
Whoever is doing these animations is absolutely killing it. They're subtle and super beautiful. Kudos to that person.
Isn't it weird how Ian and Patrick met in the 70s as well as professor x and magneto meeting in the same time period?
Luke Burton professor x and magneto met in the early 60’s tho
My boyfriend and I saw his show in London a few weeks ago and it was fantastic. I could hear that man talk for hours.
and if you ever liked Sir Ian McKellen - its a must
I'm amazed by Ian McKellen's intelligence, compassion, soul, wisdom, and wit. What a lovely man! :)
I could listen to the guy for hours on end.
What a wonderfully, delightfully, classy gentleman! He and Patrick Stewart both. I would be greatly honoured if I were to meet either one of them one day.
This man could talk about literally anything and I would be absolutely fascinated.
This is why he is my favorite actor! So kind, friendly, well spoken, and so polite! and of course the best actor! Love you so much sir Ian Mckellen
I love this interview! He is thinking about everything he says and editing them before he speaks, but he is still so honest and sincere! Extraordinary man!
Thanks, Sir Ian McKellen and thanks, Reddit.
I've been listening to his interviews for the past days to help me fall asleep his voice soothes me and calms me down very much it helps greatly with my anxiety
He didn't have to play Gandalf, he just walked on set and started talking.
I adore this man, he is one of the best actors I have ever had the privilege to watch. Sir Ian McKellen is my hero. Thank you from South Africa 🇿🇦
11:14 "I invented blogging. It's just that I didn't invent the word." I LOVE THIS MAN SO DAMN MUCH. Bless his soul.
One of my all time favorite UA-cam videos. I had a tear in my eye watching this, as I find Sir McKellen to be one of the greatest of actors. I really wish I could meet him one day.
Always an honour Sir McKellen, thank you.
Thank you for having Sir McKellen. This made my heart very happy. I've been a fan for years and I deeply respect him as an actor, activist and person. I could listen to his real deal thoughts forever and never be bored.
What a class act this guy is. Definition of a gentleman.
I love this so much. It’s like sitting down and having a chat with a family member the way he seems so comfortable and how gentle his voice is
I love how the moment he says "Royal Shakespeare company" a teacup and saucer appear in his hand
What I love about Sir Ian is that despite being a world famous actor for both stage and film, and also being knighted, he still acts incredibly humbly and sweetly. And he's very wise and articulate in his answers. He is the standard for all actors to live up to.
Love watching LOTR casts talking about past experiences, it always seem like their thinking of a fond memory of home.
That smile after pointing out telling Sir Stewart not to do Star Trek 😂 Priceless!❤
Telling us how to spell his name... What an awesome, modest man.
One of the most prolific and extraordinary people in history, I don't think we'll ever get another like him
God i speak french but i wish i could speak like him. I could listen to him for hours. Words well chosen, well spoken omg..
What a great man. He makes me happy every time I hear his voice. My dear Gandalf
"There's no money involved"
while looking slightly disgruntled about being knighted.
I've been reading his blog for the past half hour and I must say, I LOVE the way he writes. His writing is as easy and calming to follow as his speech. I started reading his "Grey Book" blog where he notes his time spent filming the first LOTR movie, it's so interesting and I love his takes on things!
Dear Sir You are an Amazing Actor and I am a BIG fan ! Keep up the amazing work! Long healthy life to you.
Sir Ian Mckellen is awesome actor. One to be praised.
Mr Holmes, I haven't seen the film yet, but I'll definitely watch.
Being knighted must be super cool man. Come on now. He is just being modest. Awesome vid guys.
+CLUTCH1ST no..? by his age it means nothing to him probably.
+CLUTCH1ST The knighting gets in the way because the title forces him to act in a way that must not disrespect the title. That means not having a lot of fun....
seen this like 10 times... Just love his voice and how he explains and talks about his life.
Absolutely broke my heart when Sir Ian said be careful about where you go on vacation always check the local laws if you want to be safe, nobody should ever have to do that when planning a holiday!
this is one of those actors that shows some are priviliged to only get better with age
And for the love of fucking god, 2016, do not take Ian from us. Fuck you, 2016.
Michael Kenis like fine wine
What a classy man, outstanding on stage and outside.
I love how dramatically he talks x3
Even casual conversation with him must be mesmerizing :3
Your production team is top notch. Everything you put out so far. Keep it up!
Sir Ian Mckellen: Exists
Everyone: rightfully applauds
I honestly don't think I've ever been more focused watching a UA-cam video than I was watching that.
I love everything about this man. The best of humanity flows freely from his every word.
He starts with "happy birthday". This man is a gem.
This man is incredible. I could listen to him talk all day.
Only Sir Ian Mckellen, Can make “Bitch” sound epic
I have spent years honing my impression of Sir Ian, and I'm told it's rather good. But every time I hear him speak I'm reminded of how imperfect it is
Such a gentle and sweet man. I adore him.
The immense dignity this man gives off is incredible.