Ian McKellen reads out Shakespeare’s Sonnet 81 for Patrick Stewart’s 80th birthday

Patrick Stewart has managed to stay connected with his fans on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic with his poetry reading sessions that are released with the hashtag #ASonnetADay.

In the occasion of Patrick Stewart’s 80th birthday, Ian McKellen took over his poem reading session on Monday and read out Shakespeare’s Sonnet 81 for him through a video.

Hollywood actor Sir Ian McKellen paid tribute to his X-Men co-star and friend Sir Patrick Stewart on his 80th birthday by reading out one of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Stewart has managed to stay connected with his fans on social media since the pandemic began with his poetry reading sessions which are released with the hashtag #ASonnetADay.

To mark Stewart’s 80^th birthday, McKellen took over the poetry reading session on Monday and read out Shakespeare’s Sonnet 81.

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Sharing the video on Twitter, Stewart wrote,” Sunny and my team took over for my birthday and arranged this gift for today’s reading: Sonnet 81 by @IanMcKellen. Thank you, dear Ian. #ASonnetADay”.

“A very happy birthday dear Patrick. Lots of love, Ian,” said McKellen, while concluding the reading session.

Watch the video here:

Sunny and my team took over for my birthday, and arranged this gift for today’s reading: Sonnet 81 by @IanMcKellen. Thank you, dear Ian. #ASonnetADay pic.twitter.com/VKWTEoLkXb

— Patrick Stewart (@SirPatStew) July 13, 2020

Many wished Stewart a happy birthday in the comments, while others praised McKellen for the sweet gesture. Take a look at some of the reactions here:

Happy Birthday, Patrick! You are a gift to the world that keeps on giving!!!

— Annette Wilhelm (@annette_wilhelm) July 13, 2020

This gift of Kindness the two of you bring to everyone is priceless. My 5 year old son and I have been watching the Sonnets and today was a pleasant surprise. Thank you to the both of you and Happy Birthday! pic.twitter.com/7XhcmIwSMP

— Don Brown (@ThatDonGuy) July 13, 2020

A wonderful birthday present!

— Roger Clark (@rclark98) July 13, 2020

Dear Sunny, what a fabulous idea! @IanMcKellen, you did a wonderful job!😊💕
I posted a birthday message for you, already but it’s always fun to wish your favorite people the best, more than once!!
Have a Terrific 80th Birthday, @SirPatStew!
🎉🐶❤🖖📚🍺🎂🎁 pic.twitter.com/GPYGjXZx8E

— Bentbutnotbroke (@RK_McK44) July 13, 2020

Thank you, @SirPatStew for sharing your birthday present with all of us. Now, all we need is a #ASonnetADay reading by the two of you, together. pic.twitter.com/UK5aldhRiu

— Betty Flores (@phxbetty) July 13, 2020

KINGS

— SiR BlackBird 71 (@DarthSingh110) July 14, 2020

Why are you giving us this gift on YOUR BIRTHDAY???

❤️

— Don’t stand. Don’t stand so. Dontstandsoclose2me (@Pearl37615315) July 13, 2020

Stewart began the poetry reading sessions in March after lockdowns were announced in multiple nations to slow the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. The celebrated stage, television and film actor has so far read 80 of Shakespeare’s sonnets and has said he intends to read all 154.