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McKellen's deep-seated affection for Gandalf is so profound that he has humorously stated that his gravestone will read, "Here lies Gandalf." Such a statement reflects both his dedication and the intimacy he shares with the character. His feelings of jealousy towards Gandalf, his unwillingness to allow anyone else to play the role, and his overall reverence for the character are emblematic of the respect he has for the world Tolkien created.
Despite the ongoing generational shift in acting and filmmaking, McKellen's legacy remains untarnished. He stands as a testament to the belief that while actors may come and go, transformative performances leave an indelible mark on both the characters and the audience—a reminder that the bond between actor and character can create history.