Sir Ian Mckellen is enjoying a relaxing holiday before throwing himself into filming The Hobbit – because it’s the first time he’s taken a break in his entire career. The veteran actor celebrated his 70th birthday in May and admits reaching the landmark age prompted him to slow down his hectic filming schedule and take some time to himself.
He says, “I’m in the middle of a holiday. I’m not working at the moment and it means I can do lovely things. It’s a change for me because, for the first 50 years of my life, I just worked and worked and worked and I didn’t feel happy unless I knew what the next job was going to be. And then I hit 70 this year and I thought, ‘Oh, I’m going to have a little bit of downtime for myself.'” More..
The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC, will present a one-night-only benefit performance of Sir Ian McKellen’s one-man show A Knight in Harman Hall on Oct. 29, four days after his acceptance of STC’s William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre. According to STC, “His solo performance weaves together stories of his early experiences in the theatre, his advocacy of GLBT rights and his more recent world-wide acclaim and film celebrity. This will be a rare opportunity to hear the personal and heartfelt story of one of the greatest living actors of stage and screen.” More..
A few reports are coming in from Ringers who tuned into the UK’s Channel 4 Paul O’Grady Show. Sir Ian McKellen was a special guest today, and confirmed a few things: He has received ‘both’ scripts. Original LOTR cast members will be returning. He has signed the declaration that he will not talk to friends, family or even his agent about the script! He does not know who is cast as Bilbo, but believes he will be an English actor. Sounds like a great interview – hopefully it will be posted on the O’Grady site soon. Thanks to Ringers Simon and Paul for the heads up. [O’Grady Website]
Lasse sends along a translation of a Danish interview from ‘Troldspejlet’, a Danish TV show: Lee talks LOTR – for instance some of the scenes that were shot but never made it to the screen – and a little of his love of fantasy in general. The interviewer also tries to get him to talk of his roles as count Dracula and other classic horror characters some 50+ years ago – this seems to annoy him a bit, as he was never payed much for acting in these films, which on the other hand earned quite a sum for the film companies!
The show that ran the interview is called “Troldspejlet” which translates into something like “The Magic Mirror” and is a much loved weekly show that has existed since 1989 telling news of books/films of fantasy and sci-fi as well as computer games. Continue reading “Christopher Lee Interview on ‘Troldspejlet’”
From huffingtonpost.com: The Lonely Island team premiered a new SNL digital short last night called “On the Ground,” which featured Andy Samberg throwing increasingly ridiculous things…on the ground. Host Ryan Reynolds, along with surprise guest Elijah Wood, got in on the fun by tasing the comedian after he threw their dinner on the ground.
Kevin writes: Andy Serkis — known and loved the world over for his portrayal of Gollum — has been working on an audio release of C. S. Lewis’ book, The Screwtape Letters. With a flair that only Andy has for vocal interpretation, he brings the demonic character of Uncle Screwtape to life, or “un-life” as the case may be and depending on your point of view. Releases in bookstores October 15, 2009. Click here for a short vid.
Sir Ian Mckellen is enjoying a relaxing holiday before throwing himself into filming The Hobbit – because it’s the first time he’s taken a break in his entire career. The veteran actor celebrated his 70th birthday in May and admits reaching the landmark age prompted him to slow down his hectic filming schedule and take some time to himself.
Lasse sends along a translation of a Danish interview from ‘Troldspejlet’, a Danish TV show: Lee talks LOTR – for instance some of the scenes that were shot but never made it to the screen – and a little of his love of fantasy in general. The interviewer also tries to get him to talk of his roles as count Dracula and other classic horror characters some 50+ years ago – this seems to annoy him a bit, as he was never payed much for acting in these films, which on the other hand earned quite a sum for the film companies!
Kevin writes: Andy Serkis — known and loved the world over for his portrayal of Gollum — has been working on an audio release of C. S. Lewis’ book, The Screwtape Letters. With a flair that only Andy has for vocal interpretation, he brings the demonic character of Uncle Screwtape to life, or “un-life” as the case may be and depending on your point of view. Releases in bookstores October 15, 2009.