Ian McKellen

I'm a professional actor. I'm not a celebrity. I'm not a personality. I'm an actor. I'm a craftsman. I'm a worker.

Acting is not about being famous, it's about being good, and being good is about being truthful.

I think the best acting is when you're not acting. You're just being.

The greatest thing about being an actor is that you get to live so many different lives.

I've always thought that acting is a bit like being a detective. You're trying to find out who this person is.

I don't think of myself as a star. I think of myself as a working actor.

The job of an actor is to tell the story as truthfully as possible.

I'm not interested in playing myself. I'm interested in playing other people.

I think the best way to learn about acting is to do it.

I've always been drawn to characters who are a bit outside the norm.

I think it's important for actors to be politically aware, because we're telling stories about the human condition.

I believe that art can change the world. It can open people's minds and hearts.

I'm very proud to be openly gay. It's an important part of who I am.

I think it's important for people to be true to themselves, no matter what their sexual orientation is.

I've always believed that love is love, no matter who it's between.

I think it's important to stand up for what you believe in.

Life is too short to be anything but happy.

The greatest gift you can give someone is your time and attention.

I think it's important to be kind to everyone, because you never know what battles they're fighting.

Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.