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Episode details

Radio 1,11 mins

'I used to get hate mail, death threats, all sorts' - Sir Ian McKellen wasn't always a beloved actor

Nick Grimshaw

Available for over a year

Sir Ian McKellen joins Nick Grimshaw to speak about his new BBC Two theatre-set series The Dresser, in which he stars alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins. Does he agree with his 'national treasure' status? "People used to hate Ian McKellen," he tells Nick and links the change in public opinion to his coming out as gay. "People like people who are honest," he reflects. In addition to answering listener questions, Sir Ian remembers turning down marrying a California couple in character as his iconic Lord of the Rings wizard, despite being offered TWO MILLION pounds: "I'm sorry, Gandalf does not do weddings!"

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