Then and now: From Deidre Hall to Ian McKellen, this is what these iconic actors looked like

Judi Dench as M, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall... All these famous actors have played iconic roles. We love them for it. But what else do we know them for?

It is impossible that they became iconic overnight. Indeed, most of these actors started their careers in the 1950s or 1960s, making a name for themselves as theatre actors. Maggie Smith, for instance shared the stage with Laurence Olivier.

These actors are some of the most well-loved celebrities in the world. But do we have any idea what they looked like when they started out?

Maggie Smith, from Shakespeare to Harry Potter

It is difficult for many to detach Maggie Smith from her role as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter saga. Many of us remember the shot of her, at the top of the stairs, waiting for Harry and his promotion as they were about to be sorted into Hogwarts Houses.

But Harry Potter is not the only role Maggie Smith is known for later on in life. Her matriarch role in Downton Abbey is also one that is, to this day, adored by fans all over the world.

'You shall not pass'

Another actor who has built a place in our hearts is Ian McKellen. The actor has gifted us with the iconic Gandalf from Lord of the Rings and has had the best line delivery since the beginning of the millennium.

Even though, to the general public, McKellen is known for Lords of the Ring he was also memorable as Magneto the super villain of X-Men and in the less than successful movie adaptation of the musical Cats. And he is still one of the most captivating actor to see on stage!

Read more:

⋙ Dame Judi Dench reveals acting has become 'impossible' due to difficult health condition

⋙ Maggie Smith suffers from this very rare condition: What is Grave's disease?

⋙ Sir Michael Caine uses walking stick at premier of what is ‘probably’ his last film

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