Actor Ian McKellen, 85, is in 'good spirits' and expected to recover from London stage fall | National Entertainment - ExBulletin

Source: ExBulletin

LONDON (AP) Actor Ian McKellen is expected to make a full recovery after falling off a London stage during a fight scene and being hospitalized, producers said.

McKellen, 85, was in good spirits after doctors said a scan showed he was expected to make a full recovery from his fall Monday night, a spokesperson for the production at the Noel Coward Theater said.

Tuesday's performance was canceled but McKellen is expected to be back on stage Wednesday, producers said.

The stage and screen veteran, who played Gandalf in the the Lord of the Rings films, screamed in pain after the fall, according to a BBC journalist present at the theater.

McKellen played the role of the mischievous John Falstaff in Player Kings, an adaptation of William Shakespeare's two historical plays about Henry IV, directed by Robert Icke.

Audiences were surprised when McKellen lost his footing and fell off the stage in a scene with Prince Hal and Toheeb Jimoh's Henry Percy, played by Samuel Edward-Cook.

Sir Ian appeared to trip as he got off stage to take a more active part in the scene, audience member Paul Critchley told the PA news agency, saying it was a shock. He gained momentum as he got off the stage, causing him to fall off the stage directly in front of the audience.

Staff and two doctors in the audience helped the actor, the theater said in a statement.

The theater was evacuated and the performance canceled.

McKellen played Magneto in the X-Men films and is one of Britain's most acclaimed Shakespearean actors, with roles including Richard III, Macbeth and King Lear.

He has won a Tony Award for Amadeus, several Olivier Awards and has been nominated for two Academy Awards, five Emmy Awards and several BAFTA Awards.