Sir Ian McKellen recorded a very sweet video for Sir Patrick Stewart's 80th birthday

"A very happy birthday, dear Patrick."
 By 
Sam Haysom
 on 
Sir Ian McKellen recorded a very sweet video for Sir Patrick Stewart's 80th birthday
These two. Credit: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage

Sir Patrick Stewart promised us another sonnet on his 80th birthday, and you'd better believe he delivered.

Or at least, his BFF did (with a little help from Stewart's wife, Sunny Ozell).

"Sunny and my team took over for my birthday, and arranged this gift for today's reading," Stewart wrote on Twitter on Monday, posting a video not from his own armchair, but that of his dear friend. "Sonnet 81 by Ian McKellen. Thank you, dear Ian."


You May Also Like

"A very happy birthday, dear Patrick," says McKellen at the end of the video, after he's finished his reading the sonnet dedicated to his friend. "Lots of love, Ian."

That sonnet is the latest in Stewart's ongoing series, in which he tries to read a Shakespeare sonnet every day during the coronavirus pandemic (he started the project back in March, and aside from a few breaks, he's been going strong ever since).

Adorable stuff.

Topics Celebrities

Mashable Image
Sam Haysom

Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
St. Patrick’s Day 2026 deals: Score free food from Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven, Burger King, and more
St. Patrick's Day cupcake

50+ places to get birthday freebies: Treat yourself to all the free stuff on your special day
A woman pushing a shopping cart with a gift in it

Jon Stewart shares his blunt thoughts on Trump and Venezuela
A man sits behind a talk show desk looking unimpressed. In the top left is an image of the president.

Jon Stewart summarises the current state of the world in 20 minutes
A man in a suit sits behind a talk show desk, with an image of the American flag in the top-left.


More in Life
California just launched the country's largest public broadband network
Newsom stands behind a teen on a computer. A group of people cheer and clap behind them.

The Shark FlexStyle is our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe, and it's $160 off at Amazon right now
The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System against a colorful background.

Amazon's sister site is having a one-day sale, and this Bissell TurboClean deal is too good to skip
A woman using the Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner Mop and Lightweight Wet/Dry Vacuum.

The best smartwatch you've never heard of is on sale for less than $50
Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro in light green with blue and green abstract background

Reddit r/all takes another step into the grave
Reddit logo on phone screen

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!