Ian McKellen

TV and Cinema
August 5, 2025

Ian McKellen, renowned for his commanding stage presence and iconic film roles, has shaped modern acting with passion and activism. Although best known as Gandalf and Magneto, McKellen’s journey delights fans with personal stories, pivotal roles, and bold advocacy for equality.

Ian McKellen was born in Burnley, England, on May 25, 1939, and soon fell in love with acting at school .
Throughout six decades, he thrived on stage, starring in Shakespeare’s classics and debuting at the Belgrade Theatre in 1961 .
Film fans know McKellen for his unforgettable portrayals of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and Magneto in X-Men, roles which instantly propelled him to global fame .
Although he shines in film, McKellen treasures theatre and has earned six Olivier Awards for his powerhouse performances .
Hollywood and Broadway embraced him, as he won a Tony Award for his riveting role as Salieri in Amadeus.
Close friendships with fellow actors, especially Patrick Stewart, led to legendary joint productions like Waiting for Godot.
McKellen’s activism stands out. He helped found Stonewall UK, advancing LGBTQ+ rights across Britain and beyond .
In 1988, he bravely came out as gay, energizing a movement for equality and dignity .

Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1991, later appointing him a Companion of Honour for services to drama and equality .
He continues to reach new audiences through television, including memorable appearances on Coronation Street and hit shows like Vicious.
McKellen avoids alcohol after age 70, instead enjoying a teatotal lifestyle and championing healthy habits.
Inventively, he became one of the first actors with a personal website, blogging for fans since the 1990s.
He supports education and charity, advocating for Age UK and theatre outreach programs.
McKellen narrowly missed out on becoming the “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian,” reflecting his well-known pescetarian diet.
Even as he approaches legendary status, Ian McKellen remains humble, endlessly creative, and a continual source of inspiration throughout entertainment and society.

Maggie Smith

Sharon Stone

Gary Oldman

Joaquin Phoenix

TV and Cinema
February 18, 2025

Joaquin Phoenix, born on October 28, 1974, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is one of the most compelling and versatile actors of his generation. Known for his intense and transformative performances, Phoenix has earned critical acclaim for his work in a wide range of films. He is perhaps best known for his role as the Joker in the 2019 film, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Joaquin Phoenix. These fun facts offer a closer look into the life of a truly extraordinary actor.

Joaquin Phoenix was born into a family of performers; his siblings River, Rain, Liberty, and Summer are all actors.

He began his acting career as a child, appearing in television shows like 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' and 'Hill Street Blues.'

Phoenix's first major film role was in 'Parenthood' (1989), directed by Ron Howard, where he played a troubled teenager.

He is a committed vegan and animal rights activist, often using his platform to advocate for the ethical treatment of animals.

Phoenix was close to his brother River Phoenix, who tragically passed away in 1993. Joaquin was present at the scene and called 911.

He took a break from acting in the late 2000s to pursue a career as a rapper, which was later revealed to be part of a mockumentary project titled 'I'm Still Here.'

Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Arthur Fleck in 'Joker' (2019), a performance that was widely praised for its depth and intensity.

Joaquin Phoenix has a distinctive scar on his upper lip, which is a natural birthmark and not the result of surgery or injury.

Phoenix is known for his method acting approach, often immersing himself completely in his characters, sometimes to the detriment of his health.

He portrayed Johnny Cash in 'Walk the Line' (2005), for which he learned to play guitar and performed all the singing himself, earning him an Academy Award nomination.

Joaquin Phoenix is a co-founder of the organization 'The Lunchbox Fund,' which provides meals to students in South Africa.

He has worked with director Paul Thomas Anderson on multiple occasions, including in the films 'The Master' and 'Inherent Vice.'

Phoenix is known for his reluctance to participate in the Hollywood celebrity culture, often avoiding interviews and public appearances.

He has won multiple awards throughout his career, including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and the Venice Film Festival's Volpi Cup for Best Actor.

Joaquin Phoenix has been in a relationship with actress Rooney Mara since 2016, and the couple welcomed their first child, named River, in 2020, in honor of his late brother.

Charlie Chaplin

TV and Cinema
November 19, 2024

Charlie Chaplin, born on April 16, 1889, in London, England, was one of the most influential figures in the history of cinema. Known for his iconic character 'The Tramp,' Chaplin became a worldwide symbol of the silent film era. As an actor, director, composer, and producer, he created some of the most enduring and beloved films of all time. Here are 15 fun facts that you might not know about Charlie Chaplin. Enjoy these fun facts as we explore the life of a true pioneer of the film industry.

Charlie Chaplin was born into a family of entertainers; both his parents were music hall performers in London.

He started his career at the age of 10 as a member of a dancing troupe called 'The Eight Lancashire Lads.'

Chaplin's iconic character 'The Tramp' first appeared in the 1914 film 'Kid Auto Races at Venice.'

He was one of the co-founders of United Artists, a film studio created in 1919 along with D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks.

Chaplin wrote, directed, produced, edited, starred in, and composed the music for most of his films, showcasing his multifaceted talent.

His film 'The Great Dictator' (1940) was his first true talking picture and a satire of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime.

Chaplin's 'The Kid' (1921) was one of the first films to combine comedy and drama in a seamless way, influencing the development of the dramedy genre.

Despite being a British citizen, Chaplin lived in the United States for much of his career but was exiled in 1952 during the McCarthy era due to accusations of communist sympathies.

In 1972, Chaplin returned to the United States to receive an Honorary Academy Award, receiving a 12-minute standing ovation, the longest in Oscar history.

Chaplin was married four times and had 11 children, with his last marriage to Oona O'Neill lasting until his death.

He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, becoming Sir Charles Chaplin.

Chaplin was known for his perfectionism and often required dozens or even hundreds of takes to get a scene just right.

He had a close friendship with Albert Einstein, and the two often discussed politics, science, and art.

Chaplin composed the music for many of his films, including the famous song 'Smile,' which became a popular standard.

He continued to work in film until the age of 77, with his last film being 'A Countess from Hong Kong' (1967), starring Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren.