Sir Ian Murray McKellen is an English actor. Widely considered one of Britain’s greatest actors, he is noted for his versatile roles on stage and screen, in genres ranging from Shakespearean dramas and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction. He is regarded as a British cultural icon and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. He has received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award, six Laurence Olivier Awards, two Actor Awards and a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for two Academy Awards, five BAFTAs and five Emmy Awards.