Sir Ian McKellen CH CBE (b.1939) is a prominent English actor who has garnered much international recognition and acclaim for his talent and versatility which has seen him become somewhat of a legend both on-stage and on-screen. In 1991 Ian was knighted for his services to performing arts and in addition to two Academy Award nominations (in 1998 and 2002), it is said he has been a recipient of every major theatrical award in the UK and US. Beyond the limelight, McKellen is a dedicated campaigner for LGBT+ rights and co-founder of Stonewall; the UK and Europe's largest LGBT+ rights organisation. Another portrait by Snowdon is in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery (see NPG P1898).