Owen Jones meets Sir Ian McKellen | 'No one regrets being honest about their sexuality'

Sir Ian McKellen has starred in countless William Shakespeare plays, he's taken roles as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings series and Magneto in the X-Men series. But he's also a prominent gay and LGBT rights campaigner, who helped to found Stonewall. I went to meet him to discuss coming out, sexuality and his activism as well as his friendship with Sir Patrick Stewart, his new Shakespeare app and his love of the theatre.

The Guardian YouTube network:

[andej]

For anyone wondering, Ian is wearing a £6.00 Marks and Spencer t-shirt. I have the same on in the same colour and I have to say it's an excellent t-shirt. In fact, it changed my life. Thank you so much Marks and Spencer for shining the light on my destined path to finding the perfect, soft-to-the-touch t-shirt.

[aperson]

I love how casually he can rattle off a Shakespearean monologue.

[thomasshakespeare]

Owen: Were you upset by that?
Ian McKellen: No, because I knew I was right and he was wrong.
:-)

[jawadc]

I saw Sir Ian McKellen when he came to my school 6 years ago. Absolute legend, fighting for gay rights.

[pezzamange]

Best way to interview, just let someone interesting talk. Love it.

[marktaylor]

Owen, that was probably the best interview yet. It helps when you are talking to a man that could make a phone directory seem fascinating. And when he really gets hold of a topic, when he senses an injustice. Obviously, with a bit of help from his old friend William. Ever suggested to him that he should play Tony Benn?

[davidanderson]

I know this interview is 2yrs old but I've just stumbled on it today. Great interview, Owen. I couldn't help but be impressed with how the conversation was so relaxed. Sir Ian McKellen was clearly at ease and came across as such a lovely man.

[esclad]

I have to say, Sir Ian McKellen is a real hero of mine...and a legend. Born in the same town as me.
Brilliant, insightful interview Owen.

[Taoistdaz]

Thanks, Owen, for sharing this video about an important issue. There are still many places in the world that don't offer such freedoms and equality. Greetings from a follower in Vietnam.

[End-Result]

Probably the best interview you've ever done. Surprisingly inspiring.

[totallyuninspired]

Getting a private Shakespeare monologue from McKellen must have been amazing! Had no idea about his involvement in Stonewall, such a lovely man.

[Adeodatus]

Beautiful! I love the look he gives you - and the twinkle in the eye - when you ask "When did you first realise you were gay?"

[PeppyOoze]

OJ - When did you realise you were gay?

IM - Oh, Owen ...

[Jameshonke]

The speech that Ian gives is magical :) you know a truly great actor or orator, when despite how busy you are, you just can't stop listening. Truly fantastic - could he make that speech again so that we can make it go viral?!

[ladyioan]

what a wonderful conversation! thanks for sharing!

[crindotcom]

Great interview. It's really powerful in the short moment where you glimpse the anger and bitterness he still has about the way gay people were treated.

[TheRiceFrameofMind]

Ian is an absolute inspiration, I look up to both these men so much :)

[rattynobbs]

Please release the unedited version, we need

[MikeDrumsIt]

4:10 "Didn't care whether you were gay, straight or ambidextrous" - I'm gonna use that.

[applepye]

What a fantastically interesting man. Could listen to him for hours.