The actor Ian McKellenrecognized for his role as Gandalf in the trilogy The Lord of the Rings, suffered this Monday ora fall from a stage from London during a fight scene and had to be hospitalized.
McKellen, 85, was in “good spirits” after doctors said a scan showed that he was expected to make a full recovery from the accidentsaid a spokesperson for the Noel Coward Theatre.
The veteran of stage and screen, also known for many stage roles over a six-decade career, cried in pain after the fallaccording to a BBC journalist at the theatre.
McKellen played John Falstaff in “Player Kings,” a production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, at the Noel Coward Theatre.
He lost his balance and fell off the stage in a scene with the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy. The fall startled spectators.
“Sir Ian appeared to stumble as he walked off stage to take a more active part in the scene,” said audience member Paul Critchley.
McKellen was playing John Falstaff in “Player Kings” at a London theater when he suffered the fall. Photo @PlayerKingsPlay /
At the same time, he admitted that it was a shock: “He gained momentum as he moved down the stage, which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience.”
Staff and two doctors in the audience helped the actor, the spokesperson said.
The theater was evacuated and The performance was cancelled. The same thing happened with Tuesday’s show, to give McKellen time to rest.
McKellen’s career also includes the role of Magneto in the X-Men films and several Shakespearean characters, including Richard II, Macbeth and King Lear.
He has won the Tony for “Amadeus,” has received several Laurence Olivier Awards, and has been nominated for two Oscars and several BAFTA Awards.
