August 21st 2024.
Sir Ian McKellen, one of the most legendary and esteemed actors of our time, recently gave a candid interview where he shared the terrifying experience of his onstage fall. At 85 years old, Sir Ian has certainly seen his fair share of dramatic moments, both on and off the stage. However, none have been as frightening as the accident that left him questioning whether he could continue performing. In this interview, he opened up about the harrowing fall that took place during his production of Player Kings in the West End, and the physical and emotional toll it has taken on him.
Recalling the incident, Sir Ian described it as "horrible" and stated that he has relived it countless times in his mind. The fall occurred during an intense battle scene, where Sir Ian's foot got caught in a chair and he began to slide on scattered newspapers across the stage. He likened the experience to being on a skateboard, as he helplessly tried to shake his foot loose. With each attempt, he found himself sliding faster towards the edge of the stage, until he eventually fell onto the lap of someone in the front row. In that moment, he screamed for help and apologized, feeling embarrassed and out of control.
The fall happened while Sir Ian was portraying the character of Falstaff in Player Kings. Unfortunately, it resulted in chipped vertebrae and a fractured wrist, injuries that continue to affect him. He shared that his vertebrae and wrist have not fully healed, and he now gets nervous even going out in public, for fear of someone bumping into him. He also experiences agonizing pains in his shoulders, as his whole body was jolted from the fall.
The emotional impact of the incident has been just as profound as the physical symptoms for Sir Ian. He admitted to feeling a sense of fear that his age may be catching up with him, and that he may not be able to continue doing what he loves. He confessed, "I thought it was the end of something. It was very upsetting." However, he clarifies that he was not afraid of death, but rather, of not being able to participate in the play anymore. He now has to constantly reassure himself that he is not too old to act, and that the fall was just a "bloody accident." He also shared that he has not been able to return to the stage since the incident, and that the play continued without him.
Sir Ian also grappled with a sense of shame for not being able to fulfill the "show-must-go-on" ethos that is deeply ingrained in the theatre world. He stated, "I don't feel guilty, but the accident has let down the whole production." He also expressed his disappointment in not being able to rejoin the play on its tour, but acknowledges that his injuries prevented him from doing so.
The fall also served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of support systems. Sir Ian shared that he is grateful for his friends who live next door and help him with everyday tasks such as shopping and cooking. He now realizes that he couldn't manage without them, and that if they were not there, he would have to hire someone or even go to a care home for assistance.
In a surprising twist, Sir Ian revealed that the fat suit he wore for his role as Falstaff may have saved him from even more serious injuries. He stated, "I was wearing a fat suit for Falstaff and that saved my ribs and other joints. So I've had a lucky escape really but... tell Saga readers to watch their step."
After the fall, Sir Ian was rushed to the hospital and spent three nights undergoing tests and receiving treatment. Initially, he had hoped to return to the stage after a brief rest, but it soon became clear that he would not be able to complete the run of Player Kings. His understudy, David Semark, stepped into the role for the final performances. In a statement issued to The Agency, Sir Ian reassured his fans that he was on the mend and receiving physiotherapy and rest at home.
As Sir Ian continues his recovery, fans are hopeful that he will once again grace the stage with his incredible talent. The Noël Coward Theatre, where the incident occurred, also expressed their regret and offered support to Sir Ian and the other performers involved. They stated, "We maintain the highest standards of safety and are conducting a thorough investigation with the producers. We have been in regular contact with those involved to offer support and assistance from the moment it happened and will continue to do so."
In conclusion, Sir Ian McKellen's fall onstage was a harrowing experience that left him questioning his ability to continue acting. However, with the love and support of his friends and fans, he is on the road to recovery and may once again grace the stage with his legendary presence. As Sir Ian said, "The show must go on, but sometimes, life has other plans."
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