Ian McKellen feels secure enough to stroll on public streets once more.
During a stage performance at London's Noel Coward Theatre in June, renowned actor Ian McKellen, known for his role as Gandalf in "Lord of the Rings," took a tumble. Playing John Falstaff in "King's Player," the 85-year-old tripped during a fight scene and tumbled into the audience. McKellen recalled in an interview with Saga Magazine, "My foot got caught on a chair, and as I tried to free it, I slipped on a spread-out newspaper on stage. I felt like I was on a skateboard, wobbling, and I ended up in someone's lap in the front row."
McKellen described the fall as "awful." He confessed, "I've relived that fall numerous times since." The aftermath of the incident left him with lingering physical discomfort.
The actor continues to deal with "persistent shoulder pain." He mentioned in an interview with a British magazine, "I'm cautious, afraid someone might bump into me, so I don't go out much." His injuries from the fall — a broken wrist, fractured vertebrae, and a neck brace — have yet to fully heal. His right hand remains in a cast.
A fortunate mishap
Despite the fall, McKellen was fortunate, as his padded suit saved him from more severe injuries. Wearing a "fat suit" for the role, he said, "I was fortunate."
The incident left McKellen shaken, but he remained hopeful, telling himself, "I'm not too old to act, it was just an unfortunate accident."
The fall during the performance was reviewed by The Commission to ensure safety measures were in place for future performances. Despite the incident, McKellen expressed gratitude for the protective features of his "fat suit."
