We know them as the stars of things like Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Lord of the Rings. Actors Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen have a lot in common. They’re both in their late 70s, they both worked as theater actors before becoming famous for television and movie roles, and they both have a background in classical Shakespearean acting.
Oh, and they have both been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of England. That last point is the reason we call them Sir Patrick and Sir Ian, after all.
But even all of that doesn’t begin to explain the bromance between these two chaps. They actually go way back: the first met in the 1970s, when they were both actors in the famous Royal Shakespeare Company. A true friendship blossomed, and it hasn’t stopped growing since.
Bored Panda has put together treasure trove of photos of this adorable pair to warm our hearts. Looking at them, Stewart and McKellen look like just a couple of regular dudes! Here are some of our very favorites:
-
Funny Faces
Heads pressed together, silly grin, tongue sticking out: we’ve all seen this pose a thousand times on social media. But there’s instant magic when Ian and Patrick decide to take a selfie!
-
You Complete Me
-
Hugging it Out
-
My Coney Island Baby
Nothing says bromance like a little bro-date! Here are Ian and Patrick on the boardwalk, having a good time just like anybody else. We wonder what all other pedestrians thought when they say these two holding hands! Our favorite part: the cute matching bowler hats.
-
Out for a Run
-
McKellan was Minister at Stewart’s Wedding
-
Hanging out on Top of the World
-
Photo Booth
Here’s our pair looking like twinsies in a photo booth reel. In matching bowler hats again, to boot!
-
Call me Anytime
-
Flirting
-
Just Playing Around
-
Give us a Kiss
As far as we can tell, that’s Stewart’s wife, Sunny Ozell, pushing Ian and Patrick in for a little smooch. Though, judging by the hug and their clearly undying love for each other, we’re betting they didn’t need much convincing.
-
Ready to Dine
-
Looking Simply Dashing
-
Having a Snack
-
Accepting the Award for BFFs
-
What do You Want for Christmas?
The way these two are chuckling, you’d be sure they’re both on the naughty list. Coordinating sweaters, matching bowler hats (again!): Ian and Patrick really put some thought into this. I wonder what Santa thought when these two sat down on his lap…
-
Friends To the End
-
Two Princes Charming
-
Sunny Day
-
Just Two Guys in a Pub
By now, it’s clear that those matching bowler hats are the signature of Ian’s and Patrick’s friendship. We love the idea of them kicking back in a pub somewhere, just like two old friends should. And since they’re both double-fisting, you can be sure they’re still up to some of their usual tricks.
George Clooney and his “boy’s club” are another sign that stars do have true friends. But we think these photos are proof that the lovely Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan are the most adorable BFFs ever. What about you? Do you know of any star-crossed bromances?