'Gandalf the Grey' and 'Gandalf the White' are two of the most memorable characters that 'The Lord of The Rings' trilogy and 'The Hobbit' series gave the world. Ian McKellen started shooting for 'Lord of The Rings' 14 years ago. He won hearts as the wise wizard who leads the story and makes it what it is. He shot his final scenes with Director Peter Jackson just a few days earlier bidding adieu to the grandest and most loved films of all time.

He is now 74. McKellen first appeared as 'Gandalf' in the "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" in 2001.

There were a lot of reasons to love The LOTR Trilogy. The picturesque locations of New Zealand were gorgeous, the background score was larger-than-life and, we all accept that the trilogy is one of the very few book-to-film adaptations that has not only been an incomparable box office success but redefined storytelling with its excellent cinematography, screenplay, costumes and characterization. However, the most fascinating element for children and adults alike to watch the trilogy over and over again was Gandalf. Agreed, the rest of the cast was first-class; Sean Bean was compelling as Boromir and Andy Serkis excelled at playing the part of Gollum. That said, McKellen's performance as the wizard to end all wizards was so utterly excellent in every respect that it had us screaming "You shall not pass" at every chance. He was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor award at the 2002 Oscars for the first film.

Peter Jackson, the director of all 6 of the Tolkien film adaptations, posted a photo with McKellen on his official Facebook page with the caption "The end of an incredible adventure that began in 1999. I'm feeling very sad right now."

'There and Back Again,' has a new meaning for Sir Ian McKellen now. He will always be fondly remembered as the white bearded charming wizard with the pointed hat, Gandalf.

'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,' the second film in Peter's 'Hobbit' trilogy, will be released December 13. 'The Hobbit: There And Back Again' had been set to open on December 17, 2014. 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' has grossed over $1 billion worldwide since it opened last December 14.

Next up, Sir Ian McKellen is starring in Harold Pinter's 'No Man's Land' and Samuel Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot' opposite Patrick Stewart. We wouldn't be surprised if the Director does a film like 'Gandalf: Rise of a Wizard' or something alike.