Ian McKellen said in a recent interview with The Times of London that he feels sorry for fellow actors who feel like they can’t come out as gay. The “X-Men” and “Lord of the Rings” icon has been one of the most prominent gay actors for decades.

English actor Ian McKellen called on closeted gay actors to “come out” and “get into the sunshine” in an interview published Sunday in The Times of London.

“I have never met anybody who came out who regretted it,” McKellen, 85, said in the interview. "I feel sorry for any famous person who feels they can’t come out. Being in the closet is silly — there’s no need for it."

Sir Ian McKellen made waves when he came out as gay in 1988, and encouraged other stars hiding their sexuality to take a brave step and 'get into the sunshine'

The Lord of the Rings star sat down with The Times London to discuss his experiences playing some of the most influential queer roles in British theatre over the years. In case you didn’t know, Ian publicly came out during a BBC radio interview at 48 years old in 1988 — a whole 25 years before gay marriage was legalized in the UK.

Sir Ian McKellen "feels sorry" for celebrities who don't feel like they can come out as gay. The 85-year-old actor - who publicly came out aged 48 in 1988 - has urged fellow performers not to keep their own sexuality a secret.

Ian McKellen is encouraging famous queer people to come out of the closet — and not everyone is taking too kindly to the suggestion. The legendary actor recently spoke with The Times about about Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II.

Working with Evans, as well as gay actor Simon Russell Beale, who played the role in 1990, has McKellen reflecting on being out and in the spotlight. “You don’t have to be gay