The award-winning Ian McKellen has been in the performing arts industry of since the 1960s, but has been active in the field since during his college days at St. Catharine's. With his long career, it’s surprising to know that the 83-year-old actor still has dream roles, like starring in a musical.

1961 saw McKellen in his first professional acting role when he played William Roper in A Man for All Seasons. “Unfortunate” was how the Englishman described that role after missing his second entrance. That did not deter him, though, as four years later, he played his first West End performance (A Scent of Flowers) and at the same time won an award.

McKellen’s first foray into film was in 1969 for The Promise, and he admitted that his first few movies were not successful. Richard II and Edward II were considered the actor’s breakthrough roles, and by 1970, he became well-known in British theater. His first major award (Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play) came in 1981 for his role in Amadeus.

Praised for his Shakespearean roles and iconic Hollywood projects, like Gandalf in The Hobbit films and Magneto in X-Men, McKellen is indeed a living legend. Here are his best performances, ranked.

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8 Scandal (1989)

The British historical drama Scandal saw McKellen playing the controversial role of John Profumo, the former war secretary, who had a sexual relationship with then 19-year-old model Christine Keeler. The 1989 movie revolves around the said affair that shocked the British public.

It’s disorienting to see a balding McKellen, with screenwriter and historian Alex von Tunzelmann saying it’s “disturbingly weird.” Even so, she praised the actor for his fine and understated performance as the conservative official.

For McKellen, playing Profumo was important as it was a way to prove that he could deliver a convincing heterosexual character. It can be remembered that the actor came out as gay in 1988. The hairstyle might be weird, but McKellen’s acting in Scandal is never a letdown.

7 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Gandalf is probably McKellen’s most iconic role, thanks not only to the character’s recognizable appearance, but also to the actor’s stunning performance. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, after all, is an epic adventure based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel. With McKellen as part of its ensemble cast and a good plot, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the most successful movies ever.

His performance as Gandalf the Grey was called “superb,” “splendid,” and “multi-faceted.” Gandalf is a central figure, and McKellen did not disappoint with his intense scenes. For his performance, McKellen was recognized by Screen Actors Guild Awards and Saturn Awards, and was nominated for many others. Detroit News perfectly summed up the English actor’s performance, saying it’s “worth more to the success of the film than all the effects, visual, and aural, combined.”

6 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

McKellen delivered yet another amazing performance when he reprised his Gandalf role in the 2003 installment of The Lord of the Rings. Film critic Michael Wilmington praised McKellen for giving The Return of the King “more gravitas, stature and believable nobility,” while James Berardinelli highlighted the actor’s “refined” performance.

McKellen was perfectly cast as Gandalf the White, thanks to his “forceful” performance made possible by years of theater training and his impressive Shakespearean skills. For his performance, the British actor gained many nominations. The Return of the King ended on a high note, effectively cementing its status as a landmark fantasy film.

5 Gods and Monsters (1998)

McKellen starred in the 1998 drama film Gods and Monsters, which depicted, albeit fictionally, the last days of English director James Whale. The Bride of Frankenstein director is openly gay, and the movie is considered a Queer film classic. Though not a box office hit, it garnered positive reviews for its theme and the performances of McKellen and his co-star Brendan Fraser.

The film features Frankenstein themes, and with McKellen’s “superb” performance, it’s understandable why the movie is considered “warm and clever” even as it tackles the mysterious death of Whale. His sexuality played part in McKellen's draw to the role as well as his masterful portrayal of Whale, and his “fine” performance resulted in ‘Best Actor’ awards and nominations from various bodies.

4 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

The Two Towers, just like the first and last installments of The Lord of the Rings, are considered among the best films ever made. The plot is enticing, the scenes are awe-inspiring, the special effects are impressive, and, ultimately, the actors are great.

This second LOTR film saw Gandalf the White more powerful, something audiences felt with McKellen’s effective delivery. The return of Gandalf means the return of another superb performance from the English actor. The likable wizard is only made possible by McKellen’s charisma and towering presence. If not for him, Gandalf would not have been as iconic and as well-loved as he is today.

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3 Richard III (1995)

It’s not a surprise that McKellen delivered an encouraging performance in Richard III, since he played Shakespeare roles even before his stardom. This 1995 film is a retelling of one of Shakespeare’s classic plays, with McKellen playing a fascist. It was based on a stage production, in which the British actor also played the lead role. McKellen is indeed fit for the position.

Literary critic Harold Bloom considered McKellen the greatest Richard III. The mesmerizing Thespian, alongside his co-stars, was praised for their “rich” and expansive acting, something only professionals and well-trained actors can deliver. Nominations automatically followed after the showing of this film, thanks to the cast’s effective work.

2 And The Band Played On (1993)

He does not look like Bill Kraus at all, from the mane to the facial hair, and yet, McKellen delivered an enriching performance on the life of the activist in the television film And The Band Played On. The 1993 TV film was based on the book by Randy Shilts, and it narrates the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome and the nonchalance from the authorities towards it.

Director Roger Spottiswoode approached McKellen to play the role of Kraus, as other established actors were unwilling to be associated with the project that tackles gay rights and AIDS. The British actor did not hesitate to suit up for the film, and was undeniably a fit for the role as he delivered an encouraging performance. McKellen’s “exceptional talent” was evident all throughout the film, capped off by the tear-jerking closing scene.

1 The Dresser (2015)

2015 saw the collaboration of two acting greats: McKellen and Anthony Hopkins. The Dresser was the first time the acclaimed actors worked together, showcasing their decades' worth of theater experience. Both are Shakespearean actors, and were perfect for this TV film about life on and off-stage.

The Dresser is one of the most famous British plays. For the film, McKellen played theatrical dresser Norman, who, alongside his colleagues, is faced with the challenges of an aging actor (Hopkins). The two performers are gifted, and it’s a delight to see them work together. Variety praised McKellen for his “great technique” during the brandy scene. He was also commended for his perfect balance of “charm and enthusiasm.” Whatever the role, a wizard or an aging dresser, McKellen always delivers.