Ian McKellen — film and theatre legend, Gandalf the Grey, and absolute queer icon — is encouraging actors to “get into the sunshine” and not hide who they are.

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.

Sir Ian McKellen isn’t mincing words when it comes to sexuality. The veteran actor, 85, who came out as gay in 1988, has made his feelings very clear about young people, particularly actors, who choose to stay closeted rather than being open and honest about their sexual preferences.