Listen to this articleOpenly gay actor Sir Ian McKellen was made a member of the prestigious Order of Companions of Honour in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year honors.
The order, founded by George V, has only 65 members.
McKellen, who has been a knight since 1990, was honored “for services to Drama and to Equality,” and now can place the initials "C.H." after his name.
“I am honored to join an order which includes such distinguished practitioners in the arts,” McKellen, 68, said. “It is particularly pleasing that 'equality' is included in my citation.”
Other members of the order include Sir John Major, Dame Judi Dench, Sir David Attenborough and Prof. Stephen Hawking.
