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10 July 2002
"Dame Maggie" on SNL
From: Angelle Landreneau
Q: I saw you and Dame Maggie Smith presenting at the Oscars and
couldn't help but wonder if she saw your impersonation of her on Saturday
Night Live and what she thought. I thought it was hysterical.
A: When we met up at the Oscars, Dame Maggie hadn't seen my tribute to
her on SNLive. But now she's heard about it she promises to take her
revenge! When and where we shall see...
Maggie Or Ian?
Photo by Louie Zakarian
Courtesy of Lee Armitage
Catholic Gays on SNL
From: hsvdan@comcast.net Dan Rocheleau
Q: Just a quick note to "voice" my displeasure with your choice of
SNL as a soapbox to deride the Catholic faith. I've been a fan for some
time and don't have an opinion regarding your lifestyle but to take such a
cheap shot at my faith while we are struggling to make things better
serves no purpose. Just a reminder; Tolkien was a devout Catholic and the
Trilogy itself is every bit as Catholic as its author.
A: I have always thought that the Catholic Church's official attitude to
homosexuality was a matter for its members to sort out except when it
impinges on my own life. Being in New York on St. Patrick's Day
reminded me of the disaffection which the organisers feel toward Irish
gays who are still not allowed to march along Fifth Avenue. When, in the
same week, the Vatican hierarchy publically discusses their gay priests, I
considered it fair enough for me to gently point out an inconsistency
toward people like me. Sorry you couldn't take the joke. It was not your
faith but your leaders I was commenting on.
McKellen on DVD
From: Michael Stevenson
Q: Do you own a DVD player? Do you watch your movies from time-to-time or are
you one of those actors who does not feel comfortable watching themselves
perform? If you do watch your own movies, which one is your favorite to
watch? P.S. You were great on Saturday Night Live!
A: Having been responsible
for so much of Richard III
(the script as well as the concept)
I enjoy re-running that almost as much as Gods and Monsters,
where all I did was act. P.S. Not everyone agrees with u!
Coming out of the closet
Q: I am a 29 year old closeted gay man from Bolton Lancashire. The
community that I live in is still very anti gay, and to see a man like you
accepted by people all over the world for being openly gay, is a true
inspiration. Can I only hope that one day the Academy will recognise gay
actors, in the same way they did African-American actors this year. Maybe
then the ideas of communities like the one I am forced to live in today
will change for the better.
A: I hope you are on the journey towards coming
out. Honesty is the best policy. It can also change the world in Bolton
and everywhere.
Straight men
Q: I fell
madly in love with you in "Gods and Monsters". Why are all the
fantastic men gay for goodness sake?
A: Oh come on - I have met some adorable
straight men!
Hollywood Homophobia
From: Corey Shaw
Q: I am frightfully disappointed at the results of the Oscar for
supporting actor. Do you think that the fact that you are open with your
life had as much to do with the results as I?
A: It's possible I suppose but
not as far as members of the Screen Actors' Guild are concerned...
Politically Incorrect
Q: I saw Ian
McKellen on Politically Incorrect with Bill Mahr, and although I love and
respect Ian as an actor, I found his political opinion of Americans quite
disconcerting. It sure is easy to say that the USA should do more to help
third world countries when you make millions of dollars a year. The
salaries of most people I know and my own pale in comparison to you
"hard workers" out there in tinseltown.
A: You may be pleased to
know that in any year where I work primarily in USA I pay income tax to
the US Treasury. So perhaps I can be permitted a view on how that money is
spent or mis-spent.
Retirement
From: Bitterconduct@aol.com Robert McCain
Q: Have you ever wanted to absolutely quit your profession? If so, why didn't
you?
A: No I haven't but if I ever did I should have to pause and puzzle over
what I could instead. I take more time off from work than I used to.
Having just had a six month break from acting I am raring to go again.
SF Pride 2002
From: emma@ice-dance.com Emma Abraham
Q: I
will be flying to San Francisco to see Sir Ian in this year's parade. I
was wondering if he was going to do any personal appearances before or
after, so I could schedule my flights accordingly. Thanks!
A: Because of
filming commitments on X-Men2 in Vancouver, I can't be in San
Francisco long enough to do much more than meet people and ride in
Sunday's parade. But I hope to meet up with my celebrity grand marshal
Sharon Gless onstage at the two musical concerts, which she is hosting on
the Friday evening. Gandalf the Grey meets Cagney the Great! Have a
fun-filled Pride!
Click here for SF Pride 2002
Oscar Wilde
From: anneloughran@aol.com
Q:
I know you excel with the works of Mr Shakesphere - have you ever
performed in any of Mr Wildes writings?
A: All I can recall are brief
extracts from Wilde in my solo shows "Words,Words,Words" and
"A Knight Out". You could try checking with the search button on
this site.
Hobbies
Q: What
do you do in your spare time hobbies etc. It'd really useful as I'm doing
a bio about u for a project
A: I don't think I've had a hobby since I lost my stamp collection 50
years ago. But I fill up quite a bit of spare time reading and answering
e-mail.
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