Ian McKellen encourages LGBTQ+ actors to come out: ‘Being in the closet is silly’

nypost.com:

the Times of London Sunday. “I feel sorry for any famous person who feels they can’t come out. Being in the closet is silly – there’s no need for it.“Don’t listen to your advisers, listen to your heart,” the “X-Men” actor continued. “Listen to your gay friends who know better.

Come out. Get into the sunshine.”McKellen then reminisced about his time filming the 1970 adaptation of the Christopher Marlowe play “Edward II” during his chat with the outlet.He starred as the titular King Edward and, alongside co-star James Laurenson, made history by filming the first same-sex kiss for British television.“I still hear from men of my generation who say that kiss was a huge moment for them,” the actor said.According to McKellen, he was “thrilled” to portray the allegedly gay monarch.“I was thrilled to play a gay man,” the “Restoration” star revealed. “The actor who got the part was straight, and he was a very good kisser.”“You don’t have to be gay to play Edward II,” McKellen also quipped. “But it helps.”McKellen’s latest remarks echoed a sentiment similar to one he shared two years ago.During a 2023 interview with Variety about his choice to come out, McKellen revealed how the decision “changed” his life.“Almost overnight everything in my life changed for the better,” he said, “my relationships with people and my whole attitude toward acting changed.”McKellen has been on the mend since suffering a nasty fall last year.While performing “Player Kings” at the Noël Coward Theatre in London in June, the legendary actor reportedly lost his footing and fell from the stage.