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A long-time campaigner for equal rights for the lesbian and gay communities, he admits for many years he kept his sexuality a secret – only ‘coming out’ publicly in 1988 at the age of 49. “I regret and always shall that I didn’t see the significance of coming out at a much earlier date because I think I would have been a different person and a happier one. “Self-confidence is the most important thing that anybody can have. You don’t have that if part of you is ashamed or hiding something. “I think up to that point, I had been using acting as a disguise - somewhere where I could express my emotions, and draw attention to myself in a way that I didn’t particularly want to do in real life. “Acting became not about disguise, but about telling the truth. And my emotions became much freer. I was able to act better as I think you are able to do any job. Everyone’s better if they’re being honest. “I have been reluctant to lobby on other issues I most care about – nuclear weapons (against), religion (atheist), capital punishment (anti), AIDS (fund-raiser) because I never want to be forever spouting, diluting the impact of addressing my most urgent concern; legal and social equality for gay people worldwide.” Today, Sir Ian McKellen is a much loved elder statesman of the acting profession – but one with a ready wit and a youthful approach. As a consequence, it would not be a surprise to see his remaining years deliver yet more memorable performances which stand the test of time. mmm