British stage and film actor Ian McKellen is considered one of the greatest artists of his generation. Known for his roles in Shakespeare’s classics, his portrayal of Magneto in the X-Men film series, and Gandalf in the film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, he has won numerous prestigious awards over the course of his career, including a Tony Award, and is considered an icon of both British theatre and cinema.
In an interview with Saga magazine, McKellen remembers the fall on stage during a performance of “Player Kings” earlier this year. The incident occurred during a fight scene.
“My foot caught on the chair, and trying to get free, I started sliding on the newspapers strewn across the stage, as if I was riding a skateboard,” he recalls. “The more I tried to get out of it, the faster I went down the stairs, until I ran into someone in the front row. I started screaming, “Help me!”and then: “I’m sorry! This is not part of the show!” It was extraordinary. I thought it was the end. I was very depressed.”
McKellen admitted that he “did not lose consciousness” after the fall, and the performance continued with his role taken over by an understudy, David Semark.
“I was wearing heavy Falstaff costume that saved my ribs and joints. “I was really lucky,” he added.
The actor is slowly recovering, but still has to wear a neck brace due to the injuries he suffered. The pain still bothers him.
“My damaged vertebrae and broken wrist haven’t healed yet. I’m afraid to go out because I’m afraid someone might hit me, and I also have terrible pains in my arms, which is a result of my body being in total shock.”
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