Rumors started days ago the Ian McKellen, who plays Gandalf in some popular movies, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The original source isn’t known for being especially reputable and later a spokesperson said the report was taken out of context. Then the spokesperson pointed to McKellen’s participation in the New Zealand premiere as proof of his health. Problem was, he wasn’t at the Wellington activities making the situation even more confused. Finally, McKellen himself has cleared things up on his website and that seems an authoritative source.

There have been new reports in the press of the old news that I have early prostate cancer.  This was diagnosed six or seven years ago.  There is no cause for alarm.  I am examined regularly and the cancer is contained. I’ve not needed any treatment.

— Ian McKellen, 12 December 2012