Sir Ian McKellen, the esteemed 85-year-old actor, has candidly discussed the psychological and physical aftermath of a severe fall he experienced while performing in London’s West End. McKellen, renowned for his roles in “The Lord of the Rings” and Shakespearean theatre, was portraying John Falstaff in a production at the Noel Coward Theatre when the accident occurred on June 17.
During a recent interview with Saga Magazine, McKellen revealed the extent of his injuries and the lasting effects on his daily life. The fall, which happened when McKellen tripped and fell from the stage into the audience, resulted in a broken wrist and chipped vertebrae. Despite the severity of the injuries, he noted that his fat suit, worn for the role of Falstaff, likely helped protect his ribs and other joints from further damage.
“My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are not yet mended,” McKellen shared, detailing how the accident has left him with ongoing physical discomfort. “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.” The psychological impact of the fall has also been profound. “I’ve relived that fall I don’t know how many times. It was horrible,” he admitted.
McKellen expressed that the incident felt like the end of an era for him, not in terms of life but in relation to his career. “It was very upsetting. The end didn’t mean my death. It was my participation in the play,” he explained. The fall left him with a lingering fear of going outside, exacerbated by the anxiety of potentially being bumped or jostled by others. This heightened sense of vulnerability has led him to stay indoors more frequently.
The actor’s emotional recovery has been as challenging as his physical one. “I have to keep assuring myself that I’m not too old to act and it was just a bloody accident,” McKellen said. Although he did not lose consciousness or experience dizziness, the psychological scars have been significant. The fall also meant he could not complete the series of shows, leaving the production to continue without him for a period.
McKellen’s resilience and dedication to his craft remain evident despite the difficulties. He spent three days in the hospital following the fall and has since been working to overcome the physical and emotional toll of the accident. His experience underscores the risks faced by performers and the impact of such incidents on their professional and personal lives.
As he continues to recover, McKellen’s openness about his ordeal sheds light on the often-unseen struggles of actors and highlights the challenges they face in balancing their health with their passion for the stage.
