Lord of the Rings Star Ian McKellen Says Obi-Wan Actor Alec Guinness Told Him to Drop Support for Gay Rights Charity
Actor Ian McKellen has recalled a significant moment from his early career when Alec Guinness, the original Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars, advised him to drop his support for Stonewall, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights charity.
The encounter occurred during an Italian lunch in London’s Pimlico neighborhood, years before McKellen achieved major fame through his roles in The Lord of the Rings and X-Men franchises. According to McKellen, Guinness initiated the discussion about his charitable work and recommended that he avoid involvement in political causes.
McKellen shared this anecdote during an interview with The Guardian, where he was asked about the worst advice he had ever received. The exchange highlights a historical perspective on LGBTQ+ activism and advocacy within the entertainment industry, reflecting attitudes that were more prevalent at an earlier time.
The revelation provides insight into the social climate McKellen navigated early in his career and contrasts with his later prominence as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and the Stonewall organization. McKellen’s decision to disregard Guinness’s advice proved significant, as he has maintained his support for gay rights causes throughout his decades-long career.
This account emerges as part of broader discussions about activism, representation, and the evolution of attitudes toward LGBTQ+ issues within the entertainment industry over the decades.