In a recent interview with NME, renowned actor Ian McKellen shared his thoughts on the importance of coming out as a gay actor in the entertainment industry. The 81-year-old actor, who has been openly gay since 1988, encouraged young actors to embrace their true selves and not be afraid to come out.
McKellen, who is known for his iconic roles in films like “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men”, has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his career. He believes that being in the closet is “silly” and that coming out can have a positive impact on both the individual and the society.
“I have never met anybody who came out who regretted it,” McKellen stated in the interview. “On the contrary, they all say, ‘Why didn’t I do this earlier? Why didn’t I do it when I was a teenager?'”
The actor’s words hold a lot of weight, especially in an industry where being open about one’s sexuality can still be seen as a risk. However, McKellen believes that the fear of rejection should not hold anyone back from being true to themselves.
He also emphasized the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. “If you’re going to be an actor, you have to recognize that you’re going to be a role model for somebody, somewhere,” he said. “And if you’re a gay actor, you’re going to be a role model for gay people.”
McKellen’s own journey of coming out was not an easy one. He grew up in a time when homosexuality was still criminalized in the UK and faced discrimination and prejudice throughout his life. However, he never let that stop him from being true to himself and using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
The actor also shared his thoughts on the current state of the world, where LGBTQ+ rights are still being challenged in many countries. He believes that progress has been made, but there is still a long way to go. “We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” he said. “And we mustn’t be complacent.”
McKellen’s message of acceptance and self-love is especially important for young actors who may be struggling with their sexuality. Coming out can be a daunting experience, but the actor believes that it is worth it in the end.
“Being in the closet is silly,” McKellen stated. “It’s not good for your mental health. It’s not good for your career. It’s not good for anything.”
The actor’s words are a reminder that being true to oneself is the most important thing, and that one’s sexuality should not define their career or their worth as a person. McKellen’s own success and impact in the entertainment industry is a testament to this.
In conclusion, Ian McKellen’s message to young gay actors is one of hope, acceptance, and courage. His words serve as a reminder that coming out is a personal journey, but one that can have a positive impact on both the individual and the society. As McKellen himself said, “Be true to yourself, and you’ll be rewarded.”
