English actor Sir Ian McKellen is recognized for the portrayal of characters ranging from Shakespearean dramas to modern theater to popular fantasy and science fiction. With his career spanning almost sixty years, Ian McKellen is famously known to have played Magneto in the X-Men series, as well as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings series. He has also appeared in A Touch of Love, Plenty, Mr. Holmes, and more.

Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto in X-Men Series | 20th Century Fox

Not only is Sir Ian McKellen one of the most talented actors, but he is also someone who has stood up for what he believes in. The actor came out as gay in 1988 and, since then, has always been a part of LGBTQ social movements, making him one of the most popular celebrities. The 85-year-old actor was recently rushed to the hospital following a fall during his performance at the Noël Coward Theatre.

Sir Ian McKellen falls off stage during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward Theatre

The BBC reported that veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen, who is currently portraying John Falstaff in the Player Kings play, which blends parts one and two of William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, fell off the stage during a performance at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.

Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen in The Critic | BKStudios

The actor was reportedly in a fight scene involving John Falstaff, Prince of Wales, and Henry Percy when he lost his balance and fell off the front of the stage. The performance was abruptly halted, and the audience members evacuated the area as Sir Ian McKellen was taken to the hospital. The publication reported that the actor was heard crying out in pain after the fall. A spokesperson for the actor later shared in a statement with THR,

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 has assured us that Ian will make a speedy and full recovery, and he is in good spirits. Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee, who were on hand in the audience, and to all the venue staff for their support.

Apart from the official statement, a lot of eyewitnesses at the play shared that the actor was heard crying out in pain. An audience member said,

The scene was very shocking. I really hope that he is going to be all right. As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.

While another member shared,

I just witnessed an awful accident with Sir Ian McKellen tripping off the stage in London. He seems badly hurt. We are all in shock and tears.’

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Another audience member shared that the staff at the theater were quick and were working hard to help him. They added that they just hope and pray that the veteran actor recovers quickly.

Sir Ian McKellen noted the offer to appear in Player Kings was ‘irresistible’

Known for his work not only on-screen but on-stage too, Sir Ian McKellen shared with the BBC that the offer to appear in Robert Icke’s production of Player Kings seemed irresistible to him. He said,

I decided to become a professional actor at Cambridge in 1959 when I was in John Barton’s undergraduate production of Henry IV. Derek Jacobi played Prince Hal, and I was the ancient Justice Shallow. Ever since, the plays have been among my favorites by Shakespeare, although through the years I’ve resisted offers to play John Falstaff. Robert Icke’s ingenious adaptation was irresistible.

Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen appeared as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings | New Line Cinema

The veteran actor had mentioned that he never found himself ready to play the character when he was offered earlier, but Robert Icke’s Falstaff was turned into a believable character rather than an exaggeration.

The character John Falstaff is a companion to Prince Hal, the future King Henry V. Icke shared that he feels honored to be able to work with one of the greatest Shakespearean actors, especially when he tackles one of the most iconic roles. He added that it’s an exciting challenge to bring the two plays into one production.

Following the fall, the actor is expected to appear onstage for Wednesday’s matinee performance of the production. Player Kings will run at the Noël Coward Theatre in West End London until June 22, 2024.

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