Acclaimed actor Sir Ian McKellen suffered a frightening fall during a London stage performance earlier this year, leaving him with serious injuries. Now, at 85 years old, McKellen is working to recover from the accident but still experiences painful symptoms.
While playing the character of Falstaff in a production called “Player Kings,” McKellen’s foot got caught in a chair during a fight scene in June. This caused him to slide across the stage on newspapers and fall into the lap of a front row audience member. McKellen described the fall as “horrible,” saying he started screaming because it was very upsetting. The accident resulted in cracked bones in his spine and a broken wrist.
Months later, McKellen continues wearing a neck brace. His right hand is still protected by a splint as he heals. McKellen credits the fat suit he wore for the role of Falstaff with possibly preventing even worse injuries. “The fat suit I wore for Falstaff saved my ribs and other joints, so I consider myself lucky,” McKellen stated. However, he deals with “agonizing pains” in his shoulders from the impact of the fall.
Despite wanting to return to the production, McKellen’s injuries prevent him from doing so. He says he has “relived that fall” numerous times in his mind. At 85 years old, McKellen wonders if he is now “too old to act.” Still, he reassures himself the accident was simply a “fluke.” While initially hoping to rejoin the cast, McKellen later withdrew and was replaced by his understudy.
McKellen remains cautious about going out in public, telling a magazine he “avoids going out because I’m nervous someone might bump into me.” While recovering presents ongoing challenges, McKellen vows to continue his acting career. As a respected performer of his generation, his resilience after this setback only strengthens his reputation as an iconic figure in theater and film.
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