The most likely explanation is the most practical. 'Macbeth' is a very popular play with audiences. If you want to sell out a theater, just mount a production of 'Macbeth'. It's a short play, it's an exciting play, it's easy to understand, and it attracts great acting. - Ian McKellen
The one thing you can ask, I think, is that actors get paid a living wage. I would like it if all the repertory theatres that currently exist could do that. It would make a huge difference. - Ian McKellen
The strength of British theatre should be that these actors in their middle years know what they're doing and are good at it. Not rich, not famous, but making a living. - Ian McKellen
The wonderful thing about modern medicine is that so many of these complaints that used to signify old age and decline can be coped with. - Ian McKellen
Theatre is relatively easy if you're British - you're living in the theatre capital of the world, London - there are so many places you can work, still. If I had begun to think of myself as a film actor, I think I would have got distracted. - Ian McKellen
There is a fantasy as old as the modern gay rights movement that if all our skins turned lavender overnight, the majority, confounded by our numbers and our diversity, and recognising a few of our faces, would at once let go of prejudice forevermore. - Ian McKellen
To be allowed for the first time in your later career to play leading parts in extremely popular movies is not a situation to worry about. - Ian McKellen
Try and understand what part you have to play in the world in which you live. There's more to life than you know and it's all happening out there. Discover what part you can play and then go for it. - Ian McKellen
Until I came out, my acting was all about disguise, and thereafter it became about telling the truth. - Ian McKellen
Very, very rare that you do a job knowing that the audience is desperate for you to do that job. Most films you make don't get released, is the fact. - Ian McKellen
We're very lucky, men, that there are these fabulous parts. Women - once you've done all the parts in Shakespeare, they start running out. So you can pick and choose and find something to energise you. - Ian McKellen
What's upsetting about an autobiography is that the final chapter is always missing. I mean, you want the death, don't you? - Ian McKellen
Why do you act? You act for an audience. In the theatre, you're in their presence. Film stars don't know what it is to have an audience. - Ian McKellen
You always think that 70 is the end of the road: 'Somebody died when they were 73; good life'. You're closer to death, and you better make sure you don't waste too much of your time doing things you don't want to do. No point in saying things you don't believe in. - Ian McKellen
You see people in Hollywood trying to make blockbuster after blockbuster, but it's not possible. There's some god up there saying, 'You will fail now.' But I suppose that's true of us all. - Ian McKellen
Above all, film is a business... Independence is a really cool thing as you can be a bit more bold, and take a few more chances with what you do. - Mel Gibson
A good conspiracy is unprovable. I mean, if you can prove it, it means they screwed up somewhere along the line. - Mel Gibson
A guy said to me one time, something really profound, and it's so simple. It's that depression lies. It's a liar and you have to shut it down. There is nothing that alleviates it more than going out and doing something for someone else. It's almost like instant healing. Get away from yourself. People can't even get out of bed and it gets really severe. I've never been at that stage. Everyone goes through low and high and low and high and some people are blessed to be created on an even keel all the way through - but not me. - Mel Gibson
Acting feels different. I'm not sure exactly what that is, but it used to mean a lot more. Maybe that sounds like I'm throwing it away and I'm not, I'll still do the best damn job I can, but it doesn't mean the same thing. I'm going to get the answer for myself one of these days. It's the male menopause, that's what it is. - Mel Gibson
And, hey, I'm not under the illusion that everything's just going to be hunky-dory work wise forever. I've never been under that illusion. Things could go away tomorrow. - Mel Gibson
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