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Ian McKellen, 85, reportedly hospitalized after accident during London show

Entertainment gossip and news from the Newsweek staff network

Ian McKellen was reportedly hospitalized on Monday, June 17, after falling from the stage during a live performance in London. BBC.

The alleged incident occurred during a production of Player Kingsa production of Henry IV at the Noël Coward Theatre, according to the outlet. McKellen, 85, was involved in a fight scene when he lost his footing and fell. The audience was quickly evacuated as the actor screamed in pain, and crew members rushed to his aid.

An eyewitness and bystander, Sandro Trapani, shared his concerns with the outlet, saying: “I really hope he is OK… From what I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for help.”

Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen attends ‘The Delaunay Presents An Evening With’ in association with Denville Hall, the residential home for all members of the theatre industry, at The Delaunay, Aldwych, on April 21, 2024 in London, …


Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Wolseley Hospitality Group)

McKellen, who plays John Falstaff in the play, has been a central figure in the production since its premiere in April. Despite his long career, he recently expressed his willingness to return to his iconic role as Gandalf in the Lord of the rings Franchise, provided he is still in good health. In an interview with The London Times On June 7, he stated, “If I’m still alive,” but also noted, “But there is no script, there is no offer, there is no plan.”

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that X-Men Actor had to cancel a performance. Five years ago, McKellen had to cancel a performance of King Lear at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre due to a leg injury sustained while running to catch a train. Despite the setback, he made sure the audience had an enjoyable experience by sitting on stage and answering their questions.