Ian McKellenis helping a youngLGBTQfilmmaker get their start.

I often look back to myself at his age and regret, he toldMaidenhead Advertiser.

So I never told either of my parents that their only son was gay.

Sir Ian McKellen poses on a red carpet.

Sir Ian McKellen attends ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The War of The Rohirrim’ world premiere on Dec. 3, 2024 in London, England.Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros Pictures

But it also teaches us there have been many positives.

Ian McKellen