Summary
Ian McKellenissues a health update after losing his footing and falling off a stage during a recent theatrical performance ofPlayer Kingsin London. The actor is known for his performances both on-stage and on-screen, having portrayed the titular Scottish ruler in Shakespeare’sMacbeth, wise Middle-earth wizard Gandalf in theLord of the Ringsfranchise, and Magneto in theX-Menfranchise. Alongside his celebrated acting career, McKellen is also known for championing LGBTQ+ causes across the globe and was a co-founder of Stonewall Equality Limited in 1989.
Following his sudden fall on June 17 during a fight scene in the Noel Coward production ofPlayer Kings,McKellenreleased a statement on X/Twitter.
The actor thanked fans and the NHS services for their care throughout the process, and the importance of the services. McKellen also stated he hoped to make a quick recovery and return to work as soon as he can.
I want to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service. To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work.
How Ian McKellen Is An Acting Icon
McKellen’s Popular Roles And Activism Make Him A Legend
It is unsurprising to see the actor receive so much support after his on-stage incident.
McKellen has had no shortage of roles across various mediums. Alongside his captivating performances as kings, masters of magnetism, and gray wizards, the actor also played Death itself inThe Last Action Hero,Cogsworth inDisney’s live-actionBeauty and the Beast, and an older Sherlock Holmes in 2015’sMr. Holmes. On the small screen, McKellen has lent his voice toThe Simpsons,Doctor Who,Family Guy, andTed, starred as aging actor Freddie Thornhill alongside Derek Jacobi inVicious, and even had a brief ten-episode role on the UK soap operaCoronation Streetin May 2005.
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In a distinguished acting career on stage and screen, Ian McKellen has made dozens of acclaimed movies. These are the actor’s best works.
Alongside his acting career, McKellen is a dedicated LGBTQ+ activist. He has been out in the public eye since 1988 after speaking out against Section 28, a law introduced by the Conservative Government that restricted the promotion and education of LGBTQ+ topics by local authorities and schools. With this, McKellen became one of the fourteen founding members of Stonewall, and continues to campaign for causes within the LGBTQ+ community. He has been a prominent, vocal supporter for trans rights, offering support forX-Menco-star Elliot Page and speaking out against recent Conservative party policies.
With his varied roles and dedicated campaigning,McKellenstands out as an iconic and beloved actor across multiple generations. As such, it is unsurprising to see the actor receive so much support after his on-stage incident. With the actor confirming that he is doing well, many will be looking forward to his return to the stage and his other future roles once he is back to full health.
