The Lord of the Rings star sat down with The Times London to discuss his experiences playing some of the most influential queer roles in British theatre over the years. In case you didn’t know, Ian publicly came out during a BBC radio interview at 48 years old in 1988 — a whole 25 years before gay marriage was legalized in the UK.

Working with Evans, as well as gay actor Simon Russell Beale, who played the role in 1990, has McKellen reflecting on being out and in the spotlight. “You don’t have to be gay

Sir Ian McKellen made waves when he came out as gay in 1988, and encouraged other stars hiding their sexuality to take a brave step and 'get into the sunshine'