Look To The Stars News: Ian McKellen

Gwyneth Paltrow And Coldplay Donate To Charity Pub Quiz Auction

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Academy-award winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow was among a host of stars who donated items for auction at an annual Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RLNI) Pub Quiz, organized for RNLI SOS Day, the charity’s largest fundraising day.

Sting's Rainforest Foundation UK To Launch Celebrity Charity Christmas Auction

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0000

After the amazing success of last year’s event, the Rainforest Foundation UK will again be hosting an amazing online celebrity charity auction event called 12 Days of Christmas.

Auction lots, which will include an array of very desirable gift items available to online bidders wanting to score hot gift items for their friends and family while helping a good cause, have been generously donated by celebrities, luxury labels and big name brands who want to help raise money to protect the world’s rainforests.

Last year close to 150 fabulous guilt-free gifts were up for grabs, including plenty of ‘money can’t buy’ items like lunch at Sting & Trudie Styler’s country estate, signed items from Dame Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Kylie Minogue, limited edition clothing, accessories and luxury items from Vivienne Westwood, Giles Deacon, Jaeger, Jenny Packham, Bvlgari, Erdem and Aspinal of London, plus VIP gig tickets, music packs, haircuts, hampers and even a life size toy gorilla!

Ian McKellen And Friends Appear In Charity Video

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Sir Ian McKellen, Samantha Fox and Paul O’Grady are three of the stars who have taken part in a new advertising campaign for a British charity.

The famous faces feature in a new PSA for the Albert Kennedy Trust, an organization that provides a range of services for young lesbian, gay, bi and transexual people in the UK. Set to Radiohead’s classic song, Creep, the video also features Sue Perkins, Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson and actor Andrew Hayden-Smith.

“We’ve used some well-known personalities in these tough situations to help let young LGBT people know where they can turn for support,” said Robert Harwood-Matthews, president of TBWA UK. “TBWA London is hugely proud to be a part of a such a groundbreaking campaign that hopes to increase awareness and shift behaviour towards a cause that too often goes unrecognised.”

Johnny Depp Raises Bids In Celebrity Charity Auction For Christchurch

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The first round of celebrity charity auctions to benefit two schools damaged in the devastating Christchurch earthquake ended last night, with a new round starting today.

Stars 4 Kids has been set up to raise funds for two Christchurch schools, Shirley Primary and Avonside Girls’ High, both badly damaged in the February 22nd earthquake that killed over 160 people and left thousands without homes and jobs. The auction will be run through New Zealand’s #1 auction site – Trade Me – and can also be accessed by Australia.

The auction that just ended saw a signed photo of Johnny Depp go under the hammer for over NZ$500, a rugby league hat signed by Russell Crowe go for NZ$266, a book signed by British Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson sell for NZ$102, while DVDs and a hat signed by The Mentalist star Simon Baker brought in NZ$200. Other items included a calendar signed by Kylie Minogue, which reached NZ$103, and items from Colin Firth (Best Lead Actor in The King’s Speech), Geoffrey Rush, Donald Trump, Sir Ian McKellen, Guy Pearce and Status Quo.

Ian McKellen Congratulates Charity For Award Win

Mon, 16 May 2011 20:20:00 +0000

Sir Ian McKellen has sent his congratulations to a charity of which he is patron after it won a major award this week.

Sir Ian is currently in New Zealand, reprising his role of Gandalf for Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, but managed to find time to record a video congratulating Step Forward. The organization provides a free and confidential service to young people aged 11-25, living in and around Tower Hamlets in East London. It offers independent information, advice, counselling and personal development training.

Step Forward, has beaten more than 420 organisations from around the UK to be crowned the overall winner of this year’s prestigious GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) IMPACT Awards, run in partnership with health think-tank The King’s Fund. It picked up its award and £35,000 prize at a ceremony last Thursday, held at London’s Science Museum. Step Forward impressed a team of judges with its innovative approach to helping over 2,000 11-25 year olds overcome personal, social and health problems via counselling, advice, training, personal development, and sexual health services provided in partnership with the local primary care trust.

Massive Celebrity Charity Auction To Help Kids Affected By Christchurch Earthquake

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

On Monday, May 16, a special celebrity charity online auction appeal – Stars 4 Kids – will be launched in New Zealand.

Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry have donated signed items along with Academy Award winners Colin Firth (Best Lead Actor in The King’s Speech), Geoffrey Rush, Russell Crowe and Emmy Award winner Hugh Jackman. Kylie Minogue, Jeremy Clarkson, James Nesbitt, Donald Trump, Sir Ian McKellen, Guy Pearce, Status Quo, Jason Donovan, Ruby Wax, Kathy Lette, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ross Kemp are just a few who have given their support to Stars 4 Kids.

Celebrity Charity Cricket Raises $500,000 For Earthquake Victims

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The celebrity charity cricket game held at Wellington’s Basin Reserve in New Zealand yesterday has raised NZ$500,000 for victims of last month’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key took part in the game against Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, New Zealand sporting heroes and a selection of hobbits.

Umpired by Martin Freeman and Mark Hadlow from Peter Jackson’s production of The Hobbit, as well as several All Blacks, the game saw teams “coached” by Russell Crowe and James Nesbitt go head-to-head in a friendly game to help those in need. Ian McKellen was also on hand to donate his time.

More Hobbits To Play Celebrity Charity Cricket In New Zealand

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:30:00 +0000

More stars from The Hobbit have been named to take part in this weekend’s celebrity charity cricket match in New Zealand to raise money for victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Actor Martin Freeman – who will play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s upcoming films – will umpire the game, along with Kiwi actor Mark Hadlow, who plays Dori the dwarf. Ian McKellen will be match referee. And British actor James Nesbitt – cast as Bofur – will go head-to-head with Russell Crowe as a coach of the two teams, which consist of New Zealand All Blacks and other sporting greats. Even Australian cricket legend Shane Warne is set to appear.

“We’ve been blown away by the level of interest and I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t a sellout,” said Gavin Larson, Wellington cricket boss. “The ground was recalibrated three years ago and the capacity is 8000, which I get the feeling we are going to reach a lot quicker than we thought.”

Ian McKellen And Russell Crowe Join Celebrity Charity Cricket For Christchurch Earthquake

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Sir Ian McKellen – currently in New Zealand to reprise his role of Gandalf for The Hobbit – will be match referee in a celebrity charity cricket game to raise money for victims of the devastating Christchurch earthquake that has claimed over 200 lives.

Joining the wizard for the match will be New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe – who will coach one of the celebrity teams – as well as Australian cricket legend Shane Warne and former All Blacks Marc Ellis and Tana Umaga.

The game takes place at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday, March13. Tickets go on sale today through Ticketek – $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Charity Bags Signed By Ian McKellen Selling Fast

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Fans of Sir Ian McKellen still have time to bid on bags signed by the actor for a very special charity close to his heart.

Ten bags are being auctioned to benefit Step Forward, of which Sir Ian is patron. He signed the bags while at the charity’s Christmas Fayre in December, and so far lucky bidders have come from Germany, the UK, Russia and Australia.

Sir Ian McKellen Signs Bags For Charity Auction

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Fans of The Lord of the Rings are rejoicing in the news that Sir Ian McKellen will return as Gandalf the Grey in The Hobbit – and what better way to celebrate than to bid on items signed by the actor in a very special charity auction.

Sir Ian is patron of Step Forward, a charity based in East London that provides a free and confidential service to young people aged 11-25, living in and around Tower Hamlets. It offers independent information, advice, counselling and personal development training. Step Forward actively challenges discrimination and welcomes young people from all sections of the community regardless of their race, gender, disability, sexuality, religious, political and cultural lifestyles and beliefs.

Ian McKellen Steps Forward For Charity

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Ian McKellen was spotted at a special charity event in London just before Christmas, raising money for a charity he holds dear to his heart.

The actor attended the Xmas Fayre to raise funds for Step Forward by purchasing items from some of the artists involved in the event and signing some of the charity’s canvas bags.

Step Forward – based in East London – provides a free and confidential service to young people aged 11-25, living in and around Tower Hamlets. It offers independent information, advice, counselling and personal development training. Step Forward actively challenges discrimination and welcomes young people from all sections of the community regardless of their race, gender, disability, sexuality, religious, political and cultural lifestyles and beliefs.

Ian McKellen Takes Part In Charity Ad Campaign For The Aged

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Age UK – a new charity that incorporates Age Concern and Help The Aged – has launched a new television ad campaign that features Ian McKellen, Brian Cox and Eleanor Bron following research that reveals that 78% of people over 60 feel that older people are ignored by society.

The new advertising campaign – also fronted by television fitness expert Diana Moran – aims to showcase the range of ways that Age UK can help the aged‚ as well as the products and services it offers and how people can get in touch.

“I am an extremely active 70 year old and make a very valuable contribution to society,” said Moran. “I am happy to help highlight the search to find stories of other people doing remarkable things and celebrating the joy of later life.”

Adam Lambert To Perform At GLAAD Awards

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced today that recording artist Adam Lambert will perform at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards Presented in Los Angeles on April 17, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

“GLAAD has advocated for out music artists, including myself, and I am proud to be part of the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards this year,” said Adam Lambert. “GLAAD’s work to share stories that grow acceptance and understanding about the gay and transgender community is so important in our culture today.”

Drew Barrymore To Be Honored By Gay And Lesbian Alliance

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0000

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has announced that Golden Globe Award-winning actress and producer Drew Barrymore will receive the Vanguard Award, and Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Wanda Sykes will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards on April 17 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to bring stories of LGBT people and issues to Americans.

Actress Drew Barrymore will receive the Vanguard Award which is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. In 2009, Barrymore took on the role of the lesbian daughter of a widower played by Robert De Niro in Everybody’s Fine, nominated for Outstanding Film – Wide Release at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards, and in 1995 starred in Boys on the Side which won the Outstanding Film award at the 7th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. She also joined thousands of marriage equality advocates in the streets of West Hollywood when the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, which eliminated marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Past recipients of The Vanguard Award include Charlize Theron, Antonio Banderas, Sharon Stone, Eric McCormack, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Kathy Griffin and Whoopi Goldberg.

Gandalf And Pearl Jam Raise Cash For Charity

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Lord of the Rings star Ian McKellen conjured up a little bit of magic for Haiti this week when he collected donations for earthquake victims.

The actor – who played the wizard Gandalf in the films – is currently starring in the stage play Waiting For Godot on the West End in London, and took the time to collect donations from the audience during a recent performance.

Also this week, Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder released a version of Bruce Springsteen’s My City Of Ruins as a digital download to benefit earthquake relief. Proceeds from the release – available through iTunes and the band’s official internet store – will go to Artists for Peace and Justice

LTTS Exclusive - The Variety Club 57th Annual Showbiz Awards

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ UK Correspondent Richard Barker was lucky enough to attend the Variety Club’s 57th Annual Showbiz Awards and filed this exclusive report and photos.

I was delighted to spend some time with A-list celebrities from music, film, theatre and television on the Red Carpet. The event was in aid of one of UK’s longest running children’s charities, The Variety Club, as it celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

Ian McKellen Hosts Charity Auction For Homeless

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Lord of the Rings’ Gandalf cast a spell over a special charity event in London during the weekend and helped raise over £15,000 for young homeless lesbian, gay and bisexual and people in the UK.

Sir Ian McKellen hosted the auction in front of 300 people for the Albert Kennedy Trust in Soho on Sunday. Joined by celebrities Boy George and BBC’s Open House presenter Kristian Digby, McKellen helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Trust and the 10th anniversary of social networking site Jake, which is now the world’s largest community of gay professionals.

“Homophobic prejudice is still rife in society today, and as a result many young gay people face rejection by family or peers,” said Jonathan Penny, Fundraising and Communications Officer for the Albert Kennedy Trust. “Too often, some of these people are forced out on the streets. The funds raised tonight will enable us to help provide safe housing and a supportive environment for young people who otherwise would be in grave danger. We would like to say a big thank you to our donors and sponsors for making this such a successful evening.”

Stars Pushing the Envelope for Literacy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:25:00 +0000

Today is the final day to bid on celebrity-designed, one-of-a-kind envelopes while helping to transform lives through literacy.

Over 100 celebrities, including Zoë Wanamaker, Sir Ian McKellen, Sadie Frost, Amir Khan and Dame Shirley Bassey have decorated envelopes for the Pushing the Envelope campaign in association with Pitney Bowes and the National Literacy Trust.

Charitable Celebrities To Receive 21st Century Leaders Awards

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Celebrities will be out in abundance in Doha, Qatar, next week for the Whatever It Takes Experience presented by 21st Century Leaders and Whatever It Takes.

As well as a private art experience and gala dinner, several stars will be honored with 21st Century Leaders Awards at this massive charity event.

The Doha 21st Century Leaders’ Awards are granted to individuals who, whilst being leaders in their own fields, have also made a serious commitment and significant impact on their chosen cause.

Ian McKellen Says Community Is No Place For Hate

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Sir Ian McKellen has become the latest resident to sign the pledge that Tower Hamlets is No Place for Hate.

No Place for Hate is a council-led pledge, striving to improve community safety in the borough of London. Ian McKellen signed the pledge at the Annual General Meeting of the charity Step Forward. As a patron of the charity, McKellen knows full well the positive effect it has as a support service for young people, offering counseling, advice and personal development to enable them to reach their full potential.

Sir Ian McKellen Supports Volunteering Scheme

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKeller visited a youth centre in London earlier this week to see an art project that is bringing together a wide spectrum of the community.

The star visited the Limehouse Youth Centre in the borough of Tower Hamlets as part of the launch of a new scheme being overseen by City Gateway, a charity dedicated to bringing hope to the local communities of Tower Hamlets that haven’t benefited from the area’s wider economic development.

City Gateway works in partnership with over 20 large firms in everything from team volunteering days through to individual mentoring schemes & ongoing work placements. The new scheme launches with a ‘Literacy Lunch’ project at City Gateway’s Women’s Project – a twist on reading volunteering schemes which traditionally target children as it aims instead to boost the language and confidence of women, principally from the local Bengali community.

Give Landmines The Boot With Charity Auction

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

A British charity for victims of landmines has launched their annual online celebrity shoe auction.

The Mines Advisory Group has gathered footwear from over 50 celebrities for the auction, which will raise vital funds for their projects and draw attention to the part of the body most vulnerable to landmines.

The auction was launched by model Kelly Knox, the glamorous winner of BBC 3’s best disabled model competition, at Merchant Taylor’s Hall in London.

Sir Ian McKellen To Help The Homeless

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen will be the guest of honor at a special charity event hosted by Village Drinks, a social networking community for gay professionals.

McKellen will deliver a speech, take questions from the audience and mix with guests at the event, to be held at the Century Members’ Club in Soho, London, on Sunday, December 14. Only 200 tickets are available, with proceeds going to the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT).

“I am delighted to be lending my support to this special festive evening organized by Village Drinks, whose wide network of influential members can only help to spread the word about AKT and the work it does,” said Sir Ian. “Raising money and highlighting the issues faced by these young homeless people is a constant challenge.”

British Stars Sign Favorite Books For Africa

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Some of Britain’s best loved stars have signed editions of their favorite books for a new charity auction.

Helen Mirren, Joanna Lumley, and Ian McKellen are amongst the celebrities to sign the books, which cover a wide variety of genres.

“Education offers a route out of poverty and books are the foundation of lifelong learning, yet the majority of people in Africa cannot afford books of their own,” said Lesley Pinder, Book Aid International spokeswoman. “The proceeds from this online auction will help Book Aid International support reading and learning in some of the world’s poorest countries by getting books into libraries, universities, hospitals and refugee camps.”