Sir Ian McKellen, the esteemed actor known for his iconic roles as Gandalf and Magneto, is recovering after a fall during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.
The incident occurred during a battle scene, causing the 85-year-old actor to fall off the front of the stage.
The fall happened during a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy. According to Paul Critchley, a Methodist minister who was in the audience, McKellen seemed to trip as he moved downstage, gaining momentum before falling directly in front of the audience.
McKellen, who screamed out in pain after the fall, was immediately taken to hospital. The audience was evacuated, and the play was cancelled. Audience members were refunded for their tickets.
Thankfully, a statement released by Player Kings has since confirmed that McKellen is “in good spirits” and expected to make “a speedy and full recovery.”
— Player Kings (@PlayerKingsPlay) June 18, 2024
The theatre announced the cancellation of Tuesday evening’s performance to allow McKellen to rest. He is expected to return for Wednesday’s show.
McKellen’s illustrious career spans over six decades, with notable performances both on screen and stage.
He is best known for his roles in the X-Men films and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
On stage, his Shakespearean roles include Richard II, Macbeth, Coriolanus, and King Lear.
His contributions to theatre and film have earned him numerous accolades, including several Olivier Awards.
The theatre community and fans alike all wish Sir Ian a swift recovery and look forward to his return to the stage.
ALSO SEE:
WATCH: Chef Gordon Ramsay ‘lucky to be here’ after cycling accident
Feature Image: New Line Cinema
