- Ian McKellen has opted to remain indoors since the autumn.
Veteran British actor Ian McKellen has been grappling with "recurring shoulder discomfort" after taking a tumble off the stage at a London theatre, he shared with British publication "Saga". The 85-year-old confessed, "I rarely venture outdoors due to the fear of inadvertent collisions." His fractured wrist and injured spinal cord haven't fully mended yet.
Famed for his portrayal of Gandalf the Grey in "The Lord of the Rings" cinematic series, McKellen encountered this mishap during a performance of "The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other" at London's West End in mid-June.
For his part in the show, he mentioned donning a padded costume that added pounds, thus safeguarding his ribs and other joints. "I was truly fortunate," he expressed.
"It felt as if I was on a skateboard"
He admitted that the incident left him shaken. "I continually remind myself that I'm not too old for acting, and it was merely a regrettable accident."
During a dramatic scene, his foot became entangled in a chair, he recollected. "When I attempted to free it, I began gliding on a spread-out newspaper on the stage, similar to a skateboard." He rolled down a step and ended up on someone's lap in the front row. Since his injury, his stand-in, David Semak, has been performing his role in the play.
The incident at the London theatre was investigated by The Commission to ensure the safety measures were adequate for future performances. Despite the setback, The Commission praised McKellen's resilience and dedication to his craft, promising to support him in his recovery.
