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On June 17, 2024, Ian McKellen was reported to have been admitted to a hospital after he fell from the stage during a performance. According to BBC, the 85-year-old actor slipped and fell from the stage during an action sequence at Noël Coward Theater. Ian was performing as John Falstaff in an adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry IV, Parts One and Two for the ongoing production titled Player Kings.
BBC further reported that the audience heard McKellen cry out off stage after missing a step and falling down the front while he was in a fight scene with the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy. When the lights were turned on, several people in the production rushed to help the veteran actor and he was taken to a hospital. The show was eventually canceled due to the accident.
However, Sir Ian McKellen's publicists have put out a statement revealing that he is expected to make a full recovery.
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Sir Ian McKellen to make full recovery after falling on stage
Famous for Hollywood roles such as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, and Magneto in the X-Men series, Ian McKellen has continued his passion for the theater by starring in plays well into his 80s. The Player King's adaption of Henry IV, where he plays John Falstaff, started its 12-week run at the West End back in April 2024.
The third week of June was supposed to be the last at the Noel Coward Theater before moving on to Briston in July. Disaster befell the actor during the June 17 show as he fell from the stage during a particular scene. While the audience members expressed their concern, the theater has sent out a statement from McKellen's representatives bearing good news.
According to the statement, Sir Ian McKellen is expected to make a full recovery after a scan was done by medical professionals of the NHS. It also mentioned that the actor was "in good spirits":
"Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings. Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits."
While the initial part of the statement mentioned that his recovery would be speedy, the June 18 performance has been canceled to give McKellen some well-needed rest to heal from the fall. The statement added that monetary issues for the affected theatergoers will be taken care of.
"The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow."
The statement also named two doctors "Rachel and Lee" who were in the audience at the time of the accident and provided immediate assistance to the actor:
"Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support."
Considering only Tuesday's show has been canceled, Sir Ian McKellen is expected to be back in tip-top shape for the show on Wednesday, June 19.
