Ian Mckellen: An Unofficial Biography

From his Lancashire childhood, blighted by the death of his mother, to Cambridge University, where his contemporaries included Trevor Nunn and Derek Jacobi, and on through a triumphant acting career, friends and colleagues illuminate the creation of legendary performances like Richard II, Macbeth, Max in Bent and Richard III. McKellen's success on Broadway also led on to his ground-breaking work running the Actors' Company and the McKellen/Petherbridge Company at the National Theatre.

Knighted in 1991, Ian McKellen has become known for his advocacy of gay rights in addition to his acting. But what drives him to act, or to stand up for controversial issues, such as speaking out against war? How has his life formed his views? What influence does he wield?

Hugely readable and informative, Mark Barratt's study gives a rare insight into the life and work of one of Britain's greatest actors.

Ian McKellen was catapulted to international superstardom by the phenomenal success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and there has never been a better time to assess the life and career of one of the world's greatest stage and screen actors.

From acting with the Royal Shakespeare Company on Broadway to a TV and film career spanning the past four decades, it also includes McKellen's work as a gay activist to give a well-rounded view of the man behind the screen persona.

Mark Barratt is an actor, drama teacher and writer. He is the author of novels and radio plays.