Legendary Ian McKellen is one of the highest-paid actors of pensionable age. The 83-year-old has starred in memorable roles in the X-Men franchise, the Lord of the Rings film franchise, and the Hobbit series and hasn’t stopped acting despite his old age. In 2019, Ian celebrated his 80th birthday by performing in a one-person stage show titled Ian McKellen on Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and You, which was well-received by critics. In 1988 he came out as homosexual and became one of the founding members of Stonewall, one of the United Kingdom’s most influential LGBT rights groups. Now known as Sir Ian McKellen, after receiving a knighthood in 1991 for services in art, he resides in a stunning $4.3 million townhouse in London. Let us take a look at the other lavish aspects of his lifestyle.
McKellen took home an estimated $14 million check each for the first two installments of the Lord of the Rings film franchise. His popularity as Gandalf peaked when billionaire Napster founder Sean Parker requested him to officiate his wedding dressed as the iconic character. Sir Ian politely turned down the $1.5 million opportunity.
8 Earns: Film And Television Career
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Sir Ian has netted laurels for appearing in more than 300 films during his successful journey in Hollywood. His most lucrative role as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings film franchise solidified his earnings, securing a net worth of $60 million. His estimated paycheck for the first two installments of the film franchise was approximately $14 million. In 2004 the Lord of the Rings scooped up 11 Oscars, including Best Picture. Similarly, he also starred in the highly anticipated The Hobbit film franchise that smashed global box office records by collecting a whopping $2.938 billion. He is also credited for playing the iconic Magneto in the Marvel Universes’ X-Men film franchise, which reportedly made $6 billion worldwide. McKellen continues to be a veteran on screen and stage.
7 Spends: Real Estate
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According to the BBC, McKellen had once backed a campaign to buy the original residence of author JRR Tolkien, who wrote the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit novel series. The $6 million brick house was built in the 1920s, and a fundraising campaign, Project Northmoor, was set up to help restore the vintage property. An anonymous buyer bought it in 2004 for more than $2 million. Sir Ian presently resides in East London, Limehouse at Narrow Street. After performing on Broadway as Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s tragic drama Amadeus, he purchased a riverside terraced house in Limehouse near Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge. Known as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in London, terraced townhouses in this Thames-side setting cost an estimated $4.5 million.
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6 Earns: Brand Endorsements
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Sir Ian has appeared on various haute-couture magazine covers and publications. He continues to model for fashion outlets.
5 Spends: Car Collection
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He is often spotted in a Fiat 500, which has an estimated on-road cost of $16,180. In 2015 Sir Ian was seen attending the NYC Pride March on this ride.
4 Earns: Business Investments
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According to Evening Standard, McKellen partly owns the renowned The Grapes Pub in East London, which stands right next door to where he lives in Limehouse. The pub was established in the 1970s and was author Charles Dickens’ favorite haunt. In 2009 it was up for sale, and Sir Ian grabbed the opportunity. He and two other friends bought the pub and renovated the space, making it more contemporary. Interestingly, the original Gandalf’s staff from the film Lord of the Rings is on display at the pub along with original bound copies of Sir Charles Dickens’ books.
3 Spends: Expensive Vacations
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On par with his hectic schedule, Ian has been visiting several countries at a time to attend premieres, red-carpet events, and award functions. Recently he went to Turkey as a guest at the Istanbul Film Festival. According to People, Mount Everest and Easter Islands are on his must-visit bucket list.
2 Earns: Live Stage Shows
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Sir Ian is involved in various stage adaptations of significant works by authors. He is expected to play Mother Goose, the first pantomime created by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions. The global premiere of the same will debut from December 3rd to 11th, 2022, at Theatre Royal Brighton. From December 15th to January 29th, 2023, it will be performed at the Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End. The play will continue till April 1st, 2023. McKellen has also been on a tour of 87 venues across the UK, delivering a one-person show known as Ian McKellen on Stage.
1 Spends: Wardrobe
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The Hobbit franchise actor commands an impeccable wardrobe, and according to Hyper Beast, Sir Ian opened the third day at the London Fashion Week. He graced the runway at the S.S.Daley The Ninth Wave fashion collection and performed a famous couplet titled The Coming of Arthur for the elite modish audience. He is known to own an exclusive haute couture collection, from vintage silk scarves to dapper British suits.
Sir Ian McKellen is one of the most respected and talented personalities in the entertainment industry. With his prolific acting career, he continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.
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Sources: BBC, Evening Standard, People, Hype Beast
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