Ian McKellen Does Not Have Prostate Cancer, Agent Says

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A report that Sir Ian McKellen has had prostate cancer for the past six or seven years has been denied by the actor's agent, who said that McKellen is in fine health.

Chris Andrews told ABCNews.com today that the actor, 73, does not have prostate cancer, as reported by the U.K. tabloid The Sun.

"No, he does not have prostate cancer. … That was taken out of context and from an interview from years ago," Andrews said.

Andrews pointed to McKellen's appearance at the premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" in New Zealand on Nov. 28 as evidence of the actor's health.

CLD Communications, which represents McKellen in the U.K., also confirmed that the story "was taken out of context."

The Sun had quoted McKellen as saying, "You do gulp when you hear the news. … It's like when you go for an HIV test - you go 'Argh, is this the end of the road?' You monitor it and you have to be careful it doesn't spread."

McKellen is expected to attend the premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" Wednesday night in London's Leicester Square.