Sir Ian to be honoured with hometown star

Ian McKellen is one of the most recognisable actors alive, known for his star roles in blockbuster films such as the Lord of the rings saga or the X-men franchise. But also for his outstanding career in theatres around the world from London to New York.

However his next staring role will be in his very own hometown of Wigan.

Sir Ian will be the next person to be honoured with a star which will go in pride of place on Believe Square in the town centre.

The 75-year-old will return to Wigan Borough this summer to personally accept his accolade at a celebration of a career which has so far spanned more than 50 years.

He lived in Wigan from the age of three to 11 in a semi-detached house across the road from Mesnes Park. He has spoken about his love of the brass bands playing in the park on summer Sundays and scoring for the cricket team and is a place where he has returned over the years. Sir Ian has said seeing traders pedal their wares in the Market Square was one of the things that first interested in acting: that and the Frank Fortescue Players at the Hippodrome.

He also often recalls Wigan’s great sense of community, particularly through its host of communal venues including the municipal baths, cinemas and the children’s library which he often attended. This passion for libraries and educating young people has also inspired many people across Wigan Borough to visit libraries and continue with their learning.

Famous for his performances in Macbeth, Othello, Richard III and King Lear, Sir Ian’s first encounter with Shakespeare was a performance of Twelfth Night by amateurs at Wigan Little Theatre. But to most he will be best-known as Magneto in the X-Men films and as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.