06-17-2024, 10:11 PM

Ian McKellen hospitalized following a fall during a performance in London

Ian McKellen - Video Screenshot

Ian McKellen was hospitalized after falling from the stage during a performance of "Player Kings" at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.

During a fight scene in the play, the 85-year-old actor lost his balance and fell. "Player Kings," which is a rendition of "Henry IV, Parts One and Two," began its 12-week run in the West End in April.

Sir Ian, portraying John Falstaff, was maneuvering around a battle scene featuring the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he accidentally fell off the front edge of the stage.

He underwent a scan and is anticipated to fully recover, according to a theatre spokesperson speaking to the PA news agency.

The team behind "Player Kings," which was adapted by writer and director Robert Icke, expressed their gratitude to the audience and the public for their supportive messages after McKellen's mishap on Monday night.

“Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits,” the statement read. “The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on so Ian can rest.”

Sir Ian's notable Shakespeare roles include Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago, Richard III, King Lear, and Macbeth. He is also set to appear as Hamlet in an upcoming film directed by Sean Mathias.

He played Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, Magneto in the X-Men films, and appeared in Beauty and the Beast, The Da Vinci Code, and Mr Holmes.

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