‘Lord Of The Rings’ Star Ian McKellen Says He’s Afraid To Go Outside After Terrible Stage Fall

Ian McKellen, the beloved British actor, has opened up about his recovery following a “horrible” fall during a performance in London’s West End. The 85-year-old actor, known for his extensive stage and screen career, revealed that the incident left him feeling anxious about going out in public as he recovers.

In his first interview since the fall, McKellen, known for his role in Lord of The Rings,  spoke about the incident that occurred during a June performance of Player Kings. While portraying the character John Falstaff in a condensed version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, McKellen tripped over a chair, slid on some newspapers and ultimately landed in the lap of an audience member in the front row. The fall resulted in chipped vertebrae and a fractured wrist, injuries from which he is still recuperating.

McKellen, who remains in a neck brace with his right hand in a splint, described how the accident has affected his confidence. “I don’t go out because I get nervous in case someone bangs into me,” he shared, noting that the fall has also caused him “agonizing pains” in his shoulders due to the jolt his body endured.

Despite the seriousness of his injuries, McKellen considers himself fortunate, crediting the padded costume he wore as Falstaff for preventing even more severe damage. “I was wearing a fat suit for Falstaff, which saved my ribs and other joints. So I’ve had a lucky escape, really,” he told Saga Magazine.

Reflecting on the impact of the fall, McKellen admitted that the incident was deeply unsettling. “I thought it was the end of something. It was very upsetting,” he said, clarifying that he was referring to the play and not his life. Despite the setback, he is determined not to let the accident undermine his confidence in his ability to perform. “I have to keep assuring myself that I’m not too old to act, and it was just a b—- accident,” he remarked.

McKellen, who was replaced by his understudy David Semark for the remainder of the show’s run, expressed his gratitude for his support from friends and neighbors during his recovery. He acknowledged that he spent three nights in the hospital following the fall and has been relying on the care of those around him as he heals.

Although McKellen was hopeful about rejoining the play’s tour, his injuries ultimately prevented him from doing so. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed a sense of guilt over missing performances, a feeling shared by many actors who fear disappointing their audience.

As McKellen continues to recover, the show has moved forward without him, with Semark stepping in to perform the role of Falstaff during the production’s tour across several cities.