Ian McKellen Says His Fat Suit Saved Him From Further Injuries in Fall From West End Stage

Ian McKellen Says His Fat Suit Saved Him From Further Injuries in Fall From West End Stage

As a gamer with a deep affection for the world of theater and its legendary figures, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration and empathy towards Sir Ian McKellen. His resilience, grace, and dedication to his craft have always been evident, but this recent incident has underscored these qualities in an even more poignant way.


During his fall from a London stage in June, the protective cushion that prevented Ian McKellen from sustaining even greater harm was the padding he wore as part of his costume for the performance.

“He mentioned that it protected his ribs and other joints, he said this to Saga magazine this week,” or more conversational, “He told Saga magazine this week that it shielded his ribs and various joints. In essence, he feels fortunate.”

85-year-old me found myself embodying John Falstaff in Henry IV Parts One and Two at the Noël Coward Theatre in London. In a June 17th performance, I stumbled during an action-packed scene, causing a brief moment of panic among spectators as they heard my voice calling out before the theatre was swiftly evacuated. Unfortunately, the show had to be called off.

In the heat of the battle, I stumbled as my foot became entangled in a chair. As I attempted to free myself, I found myself gliding across the floor covered with scattered newspapers, much like someone riding a skateboard. This is what Sir Ian McKellen described this week.

Initially, physicians predicted that the “Lord of the Rings” actor would fully recover, but ultimately, he was forced to cancel all his forthcoming appearances, including a U.K. tour of the play. David Semark stepped in and replaced him.

He mentioned that he’s still in the process of healing, currently using a neck and wrist support. “My broken vertebrae and fractured wrist haven’t fully healed,” McKellen explained. “I don’t venture out much because I get anxious when someone might bump into me, and I have severe discomfort in my shoulders due to my entire body being jarred.”

McKellen expressed his disappointment in interrupting the performance, stating, “I’m not feeling guilt, but the mishap has certainly impacted the entire production. I’m filled with embarrassment. I had hoped to return to the stage for the tour, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”

At home in London, McKellen is being cared for by his “beloved friends next door.”

“He mentioned that he couldn’t get by without them,” he stated, further explaining that there was a door linking their homes. “Without them present, I guess I would need to hire someone to take care of things or temporarily move to an assisted living facility.”

These four companions, consisting of a gay duo and a heterosexual pair, frequently visit McKellen’s establishment known as The Grapes. He lamented that not attending the trivia night at the pub every Monday evening is what he currently misses the most.

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2024-08-21 03:55