Ian McKellen recently opened up about his close relationship with the late Dame Maggie Smith, dispelling rumors and clarifying the nature of their bond. The two legendary actors, who shared a deep friendship, often sparked speculation about a romantic relationship due to their long history of working together and their visible affection for each other.
McKellen revealed that while their relationship was extraordinarily close, it was never romantic. He referred to Smith as his “greatest friend” and someone who always understood him in ways few others did. He explained that the bond they shared was based on mutual respect, trust, and years of collaboration on and off the stage. While they were inseparable at times, McKellen stressed that they were never “boyfriend and girlfriend” as some had believed.
When asked why they never publicly declared their deep friendship, McKellen explained that their relationship was always private. “We didn’t need to explain anything to anyone. We knew what we meant to each other,” he said. Their connection was beyond labels and never needed public validation.
Maggie Smith’s passing left a profound void in McKellen’s life. He admitted that he still feels her absence deeply, describing it as losing part of his soul. He often reminisces about their times together, both on stage and in their quiet moments. Her death, he said, was the loss of a lifetime companion.
