Renowned actor Ian McKellen, 85, was hospitalized following a fall during a performance in London’s West End. McKellen was acting in a battle scene in the play “Player Kings” at the Noël Coward Theatre when he lost his footing and fell off the stage on Monday, June 17, according to the BBC. He cried out for help and was swiftly taken to the hospital, leading to the show’s cancellation and audience evacuation.
In a statement, the theater expressed gratitude to the audience and the public for their well wishes. “Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team has assured us that Ian will make a speedy and full recovery and he is in good spirits.”
The production also canceled the following day’s performance on June 18 to allow McKellen to rest. The theater added, “Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee, who were in the audience, and to all the venue staff for their support.”
Audience members were shocked when McKellen, who plays John Falstaff in the Shakespeare revival of “Henry IV, Parts One and Two,” tumbled offstage. Journalist Charlie Johnson, present at the time, posted on social media that he had “witnessed Ian McKellen severely injure himself” and heard the actor screaming in pain as ushers rushed to assist him. The show was canceled as McKellen received treatment from ambulance crews.
Sir Ian McKellen, a six-time Olivier Award winner and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, has had a storied career on stage and screen. He is widely recognized for his iconic roles as Magneto in the “X-Men” series and Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
This is not the first time McKellen has faced a stage-related injury. In 2018, he injured his leg while running to catch a train for his performance as King Lear at London’s Duke of York Theatre. The performance was canceled, but McKellen turned the event into an engaging question-and-answer session with the audience.
Despite this recent incident, fans and colleagues are optimistic about his recovery and eagerly await his return to the stage.