Hospitalized Actor: Ian McKellen Faces Chaotic Scene at Stage
Venerable Sir Ian McKellen, aged 85, suffers a fall during an action sequence on stage and crumples to the ground. Renowned "Lord of the Rings" player Sir Ian McKellen was transported to the hospital after a tumble during a rendition of "The Player Kings" in London. Sympathizers of the "Gandalf" thespian can rest easy.
As per British news outlets, Sir Ian McKellen tumbled from the stage during the Monday evening showing of the play at the Noël Coward Theatre in London. However, there's now comfort: The 85-year-old thespian is "in fine health" and is predicted to "recover swiftly and completely," according to a representative from the Noël Coward Theatre, quoted by the BBC.
Sir Ian McKellen was swiftly sent to the hospital following the fall. The audience was escorted from the theatre in London's West End and was apprised that the performance had been called off. A theatre spokesperson later confirmed that the Tuesday evening showing would also be scrapped "to allow Ian to rest." McKellen is reportedly slated to appear during the matinee performance on Wednesday.
During the performance, the 85-year-old acting titan, portraying John Falstaff in the play, reportedly lost balance amidst a scuffling scene and plunged off the stage. According to the BBC, he allegedly cried out in agony. Theatre personnel rushed to his aid.
The public adores him as "Gandalf"
Discussions of Sir Ian McKellen's fall are circulating on social media. For instance, a message reads: "Audience startled by Sir Ian McKellen's stage fall tonight at the Noel Coward Theatre. (...) Prayers are with him, his co-actors, and the crew."
Sir Ian McKellen's acting career encompasses more than six decades. On-screen, he is most revered for his roles as Magneto in the "X-Men" films and as Gandalf in the movie epic series "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit."
