Updated on June 17: Ian McKellen was taken to the hospital after falling off the stage during a performance on London’s West End, the BBC first reported today.
However, minutes after this story was posted, IGN obtained a statement from the Noël Coward theater, via McKellen’s publicist, that the 85-year-old actor will make a “speedy and full recovery.” You can read the full statement below:
Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings.
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 production his made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.
Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.
McKellen, known for his roles as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Magneto in the X-Men films, was in the midst of a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theater when he lost his footing and fell during a fight scene, the BBC reported. According to the BBC, the theater was evacuated afterwards and the audience was informed the evening show was canceled.
“I really hope that he is going to be alright,” audience member Sandro Trapani told the BBC. “As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.”
Writer and broadcaster Paul Nero wrote on X/Twitter earlier today, “Audience shocked by Sir Ian McKellen’s fall off stage tonight at Noel Coward Theatre. Staff working hard to help him. Thoughts with him, cast and crew.”
McKellen plays John Falstaff in Player Kings, a production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts I and II. It began its 12-week run on the West End in April, and is set to move to the Bristol Hippodrome in July, reports The Guardian.
In addition to his famous film roles, McKellen has long been a stage actor, having played Shakespeare characters Macbeth, King Lear, Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago and Richard III in the past and winning several Olivier Awards. He also recently starred in a film version of Hamlet from director Sean Mathias.
Thumbnail credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Wolseley Hospitality Group
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.