Sir Ian McKellen has spoken out about his health in his first interview since his “horrible” fall from the stage during the West End show, Player Kings, in London. The actor said he is now “nervous” to go out as he is still in a neck brace and his right hand is splinted.
Speaking to Saga Magazine, the screen legend detailed how he was doing following the incident in June.
Stating he has “relived” what happened “many times”, McKellen recalled how he’d got his foot caught on a chair, before sliding on some newspapers and landing in the lap of an audience member in the front row.
He said: “My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are not yet mended. I don't go out because I get nervous in case someone bangs into me, and I've got agonizing pains in my shoulders to do with my whole frame having been jolted.
“But I was wearing a fat suit for Falstaff and that saved my ribs and other joints. So I've had a lucky escape really.”
McKellen said: “I thought it [the fall] was the end of something. It was very upsetting.”
Clarifying how he didn't mean his death but instead the play, he added: “I have to keep assuring myself that I'm not too old to act and it was just a b***** accident.
“... I feel such shame. I was hoping to be able to rejoin the play on the tour, but I couldn't.”
He is thought to have spent three nights in hospital due to his injuries before being pictured six weeks later at Theatre Royal wearing a neck brace and wrist support.
He previously wrote on X, formerly Twitter, to his 3.9 million followers: “I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend. My doctors promise a complete recovery - but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.
“Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks' tour without me. My understudy David Semark, who with panache took over for the final performances at the Noël Coward Theatre in the West End of London, will play Falstaff again in Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
“Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience.”
McKellen’s Fall: A Reminder of the Risks of Live Theatre
McKellen’s fall is a reminder of the inherent risks of live theatre. While accidents are rare, they can happen to anyone, regardless of age or experience. McKellen’s incident highlights the importance of safety precautions and the need for actors to be aware of their surroundings.
Fat Suit Controversy
The use of fat suits in media has become increasingly controversial in recent years with with body diversity activists advocating a discontinuation of the practice. Several high profile instances of the use of fat suits have arisen in recent years including in the Academy Award-winning film The Whale, the miniseries American Crime Story: Impeachment, and in the film adaptation of Matilda the Musical.
McKellen’s Future on Stage and Screen
Despite his recent injury, McKellen has shown no signs of slowing down. He is still actively pursuing roles in both theatre and film. And, he is known for his resilience and determination, he is likely to make a full recovery and continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
Conclusion: A Lucky Escape, But a Reminder of Mortality
Although McKellen’s injuries may be a setback, he has been fortunate to escape with his life. But his accident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of appreciating the moments we have. As he said himself, he has to keep telling himself that he’s not too old to act. This fall may have thrown him off course, but his passion for acting remains strong. Perhaps this is a new chapter in his career where he will reconsider what roles he takes and the level of risk he’s willing to take on for the love of the craft.
