SIR Ian McKellen is one of East Lancashire's most loved sons - but how much do you really know about the man who brought the great Gandalf to life?

 

  • He once advised Sir Patrick Stewart NOT to take a role in Star Trek

"Patrick and I have known each other since we in the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 70s. Im the guy who advised him not to do Star Trek.

Lancashire Telegraph:

"We've recently become friends through X-Men and we did two plays together. and I married him to his lady Sunny. So all and all we've become very close to each other."

 

  • His favourite home-cooked meal is actually VERY simple...

"I'll give you the recipe.

"Slice potatoes thinly. Slice onions thinly. Grade some strong cheddar cheese. You slice some small tomatoes. And you layer those ingredients. And put them in a medium oven for one hour. And to make sure it's delicious as it always is, pour a little single cream over the potatoes, which should be the top layer.

"Very comforting, quite nutritious, easy to make. Astound your friends."

 

  • Sir Ian is quite likely to forget your name!

"Well, yes. I forget peoples birthdays. I forget peoples names. I sometimes forget what I did yesterday. And at 76 theres an awful lot of forgetfulness that I can't do anything about. But overall, forgetfulness is because you're lazy."

 

  • He can often struggle to perfect a role

"There's usually for me a moment of despair for every part I play, worrying that I will ever convince myself that I inhabit the character.

"The worst case of that was "Wild Honey", based on Anton Chekov's first play. I tried to leave the production at the dress rehearsal. It's one of the biggest successes I ever had at the National Theatre in London. So, what do I know?"

 

  • Sir Ian is sneaky! He's still got a handful of gold coins from the LOTR set...

"The scenery that was built in the studio was sensational. And I think my favorite set, that I didn't act in, was the golden Liar, where the dragon was hiding. Hundreds of thousands of golden coins, specially made.

Lancashire Telegraph:

"And if you don't tell anyone, I can tell you that I have some of those coins. Along with the font door key to Bag End, which i know Peter Jackson is looking for, but will never find."

 

  • Christopher Lee DID always wanted to play Gandalf!

"It's not a rumor, it's true. He told me at our first meeting that he always thought he would be good casting as Gandalf. It turns out he was better casting as Saruman. Of all the parts he played, the one I hankered after was Sherlock Holmes.

Lancashire Telegraph:

"I'm sorry he doesn't get to see Mr. Holmes, the movie, I think he would have enjoyed it."

 

  • Sir Ian is not a fan of a meat feast...

(On his favourite pizza)

"I am vegetarian so, lots of cheese and lots of tomato, and lots of basil. And only thin crust."