Gandalf: A Character Synopsis

Gandalf-

In The Hobbit he goes by Gandalf the Grey, however the iconic wizard is known by many other names: Mithrandir, Grey Pilgrim, Grey Wanderer, Olórin, Incánus, Tharkûn, The White Rider, Gandalf the White, Gandalf Greyhame, Stormcrow, Wand-elf, and Láthspell. Sent by the Valar (powerful spirits) Gandalf and the others of his sect, referred to as the Istari “wise ones”, were to protect the inhabitants of Middle-earth. Gandalf wears Narya, the Ring of Fire later discussed in The Lord of the Rings, and is the wielder of the Elven sword Glamdring meaning “Foe-hammer”. It is Gandalf who helps bring about Bilbo Baggins’ involvement with the Dwarves as they journey to reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug. In Tolkien’s own words, “All that the unsuspecting Bilbo saw that morning was an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which his long white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.”

Ian McKellen was born on May 25, 1939 in Burnley, England. It was his parent’s early introduction to the theater that sparked McKellen’s interest in acting. That interest only grew as he made his way through school, acting in many plays and productions. McKellen’s summers began filling up with acting camps and by 1961 he had made his mind up to become a professional actor. With 34 acting awards and 33 nominations he has performed in coutless theater productions and starred in many well known films such as Edward II (King Edward), Hamlet (Hamlet), The Tragedy of King Richard II (King Richard II), The Scarlet Pimpernel, (Chauvelin),  X-Men (Magneto), X2 (Magneto), X-Men: The Last Stand (Magneto), The Da Vinci Code (Sir Leigh Teabing) and The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy (Gandalf). Many of Ian McKellen’s fans follow his frequent updates on his Blog, Official Website, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is scheduled for release on December 14, 2012, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.