At 86, Ian McKellen is still taking on new projects like 'The Christophers'

NPR | By Sarah Handel,

Mary Louise Kelly, Elena Burnett

Published April 10, 2026 at 5:55 PM EDT

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Sir Ian McKellen about playing a sour painter in The Christophers and why the 86-year-old actor hopes to never retire.

Sarah Handel

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

See stories by Mary Louise Kelly

Elena Burnett

See stories by Elena Burnett

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