30. Gandalf

Appearances: The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies (2001-2014)

Creator: J. R. R. Tolkien

Performer: Ian McKellen

Defining moment: In a small but perfect grace note from the Council Of Elrond, as the first to hear Frodo’s offer to take the One Ring all the way to Mount Doom, a ripple of sadness crosses Gandalf’s face. It is the heartbreaking recognition of what his meddling will cost.

Fascinating fact: McKellen openly professed that he preferred playing Gandalf The Grey to Gandalf The White.

Buy The Lord Of The Rings Middle Earth Collection now on Amazon