Sir Ian McKellen has opened up about family and having children, and revealed that he believes he is too se;fish to have children.

McKellen had recently been learning more about his family history as he appeared on the BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?, and his findings helped confirm the fact that he did not want to continue the McKellen family tree.

Despite the findings being positive, the actor explained that he is glad that he does not have the responsibility of looking after children.

He said to the Irish Examiner: “I don’t feel anything about it, really. I think I’ve always known I wouldn’t have children, because I’m gay. That wouldn’t have been true today, would it?

“Bringing up children is the most dreadfully difficult thing to do, and so few people are good at it. I’m far too selfish.

“I know parenthood can change people’s personalities in a good way, but I find it difficult making decisions about my own life.

“To have to make decisions about someone who’s dependent on you …I can see it would be very alluring to look into the eyes of a little boy or girl who looked like oneself, that must be extraordinary, and reassuring in some way,” the actor added.

Sir McKellen explained that he felt he did not need to fulfil a responsibility as he had already contributed to the world in a number of other ways.

“But I don’t look to my legacy, I suppose that’s what makes me different from a lot of people. My contribution has been of another sort,” he said.