Sir Ian McKellan, CH KBE

I'm an American. We don't have Knights, or Companions of Honour. But ...

how cool is it that Ian McKellan, already a KBE (Knight of the British Empire) has been named by the Queen as a Companion of Honour, an honor is limited to 65 living people (including the queen)?

In Action Faithful and In Honour Clear

"Sir Ian Murray McKellen: Actor, services to Drama and Equality"

Yeah. "Equality" It means what you think you it does. from his website:

28 December 2007: Queen Elizabeth II has named Sir Ian McKellen to the Order of the Companions of Honour for his “outstanding achievements as an actor and also for his work in championing the causes of diversity.”

Sir Ian said, "I am honoured to join an Order which includes such distinguished practitioners in the arts. It is particularly pleasing that 'equality' is included in my citation."