Sir Ian McKellen talks about Elliot Page
In a recent interview, Sir Ian McKellen shared his reaction to his former co-star Elliot Page's coming out as transgender.
The actor told Attitude Magazine that he's, 'disappointed,' with himself for not realising their struggle.
And is obviously, 'so happy,' for Elliot.
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Drawing from his own experience, Ian said, 'Everything gets better [when you come out because you get self-confidence.'
'So you get better in terms of relationships, friends of all sorts, family, if you’re lucky.'
'And in my case, I think in every case, your acting is bound to change and improve.'
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Ian and Elliot worked together on the 2006 movie, X-Men: The Last Stand.
He recalled to the Attitude interviewer, 'I remember Elliot Page, in one of the X-Men, sat as close as we are now.'
'And I had to speak when they’d finished, and I couldn’t hear what they were saying.'
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He added, 'Nobody could hear what they were saying.
'So, I said, 'Look, if you can’t speak up, would you mind when you’re finished speaking, just dropping your hand so I know when you’ve finished speaking?''
Ian went on, 'And then they came out [as gay] years later and suddenly you couldn’t stop them talking. You heard everything.'
'And now… they’re Elliot. And I’m so happy for Elliot.'
'And so disappointed in myself that I didn’t detect what their difficulty was with communicating.'
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Elliot
The Juno star announced on social media last month that they're transgender.
In a statement, they said, 'Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot.'
'I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life.'
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They continued, 'I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey.'
'I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self.'
'I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community,' Elliot wrote.
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'Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place.'
'I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society.'
Read The Umbrella Academy actor's full statement below:
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Elliot's celeb pals have been showing their support online.
Read more here.
