Summary
Ian McKellenhas been hospitalized after a fall during a performance. The multi-talented star of stage and screen is likely most widely known for his performances as Magneto in theX-Menfranchiseand as the iconic J.R.R. Tolkien character Gandalf in theLord of the RingsandThe Hobbittrilogies. The star has been nominated for two Oscars over the course of his career, forThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingand for 1999’sGods and Monsters, in which he playedFrankensteindirector James Whale.
PerDeadline,Ian McKellen fell offstage during the first act of a performance of his West End playPlayer Kingsand was taken to the hospital. Claire Dobbs, the representative for the actor, reports that he “is doing OK.” At the time of writing, nothing further is known about the injuries sustained by the actor during the performance, the remainder of which was cancelled.WhatsOnStagereports that producers of the show have issued a statement sharing that he is “in good spirits” and is expected to make a “speedy and full recovery.” Read the full statement below:
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 has 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.
The Player Kings Production Explained
Ian McKellen Is Playing An Iconic Shakespeare Role
While a wide variety of popularIan McKellen movieshave made the actor seem more or less synonymous with screen performances, the stage is a majorly important factor in his acting career. Shakespearean drama is a core element of this, andMcKellen has appeared in a wide variety of plays penned by the Bard, includingCymbeline,Edward II, andRichard II,King Lear,Romeo & Juliet, andMacbeth. His grounding in the legendary playwright’s works also spilled into his film career, which saw him star in 1995’sRichard III.
Richard IIIalso starred Annette Bening, Jim Broadbent, Robert Downey Jr., Kristin Scott Thomas, and Maggie Smith.
McKellen’s performance inPlayer Kingsseems to be the culmination of many years of his career working both in Shakespeare plays andShakespeare movies. The piece wasadapted by Robert Icke fromHenry IV, Parts 1 & 2and features McKellen as John Falstaff, a role he has turned down multiple times in the past before agreeing to take on the role after learning about Icke’s vision for the play. He stars in the show oppositeTed Lasso’s Toheeb Jimoh as Hal andFantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’s Richard Coyle as King Henry IV.
It remains to be seen ifIan McKellenwill fully recover in time to continue performing inPlayer Kingsthrough the end of its run. If so, it may also require some adjustments and increased safety measures to ensure his continued recovery and onstage safety during more active moments. However, the outlook from both statements in the wake of the accident is decidedly optimistic.
