Ian McKellen has revealed that coming out as gay was the "best thing I ever did in my life."
The 78-year-old actor first revealed his sexuality during at radio interview in 1988 after discussing it with American writer Armistead Maupin first.
Speaking to Attitude magazine McKellen recalled: "For the first time in his life Armistead didn't know what to say. He was much more politically aware than I was at the time. He knew that some people in the public eye had to come out to encourage everybody else.
"I think that Armistead probably knew the most important reason for me to come out was for myself. And so it proved. It was the best thing I ever did in my life."
McKellen received a knighthood in 1991, for services to the performing arts and admits he was glad he waited until he had gone public with his sexuality before accepting the honour.
He said: "I will always be glad that I didn't accept the knighthood until I'd come out of the closet.
"If you're lying about that central part of your nature, can you be trusted? I think that's why when people come out the reception is usually positive.
"People like honesty. They think if gay people don't talk about being gay that they have something to be ashamed of and it's a secret. Why should it matter? Once you say I'm gay, then you know where you are with a person."
In January, Sir Ian marked the 30th anniversary since he came out with an emotional tweet.
He wrote: "I've never met a gay person who regretted coming out - including myself. Life at last begins to make sense, when you are open and honest.
"Today is the 30th anniversary of the BBC radio discussion when I publically said I was gay. So I'm celebrating!"
I’ve never met a gay person who regretted coming out – including myself. Life at last begins to make sense, when you are open and honest. Today is the 30th anniversary of the BBC radio discussion when I publically said I was gay. So I’m celebrating!
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) January 27, 2018
