Mckellen Quotes

Ian McKellen is brilliant with research. I paid really close attention to the sources he goes to. He`s a very, very intelligent man.

I`ve been grateful enough, smart enough to take the work with Ian McKellen in Gods And Monsters.

Judi Dench and Ian McKellen taught me how to work hard and respect the theatre.

It was like a drama school of its own, being on set. Peter (Jackson) is a genius. Ian McKellen is the greatest theatre actor in Britain. He`s somebody I look at and say, `That`s what I would like to do.` I had studied videos of his performances, so it was bizarre to be thrown into an environment with him.

No one trusts me any more. I spent half the movie Maigret (1988) (TV) arguing with people and I was accused of causing big on-set rows. But what they won`t tell you is I fought for Simeneon. I fought for the maintenance of quality. I don`t believe in lying down on the job. I`ve seen these so-called `nice` actors. Very able fellows like Ian McKellen and Kenneth Branagh. But they`re like bank managers. So sweet and careful. Who needs them? We are suffering a plague of good taste. Give me Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke any day. They project danger. That`s what makes acting - and life - interesting.

I think Ian McKellen made it all happen, because he used to throw dinner parties and invite everyone over.