Ian McKellen Says He’s “Hugely Indebted” To Medical Staff As He Recovers From Fall & Is ‘Looking Forward To Returning To Work” – Update
2nd UPDATE, EXCLUSIVE: Ian McKellen, the celebrated actor-knight revealed to Deadline via a statement that he’s “hugely indebted” to medical staff from the UK’s National Health Service for treating him after he fell from the stage during a performance of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on Monday night.
The 85-year-old acting legend told Deadline that “doctors have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work.”
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Deadline revealed earlier that McKellen suffered a fractured wrist and other injuries.
The statement to Deadline was issued by McKellen’s personal publicist Clair Dobbs.
Here it is in full:
“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.”
UPDATE, 9:25 AM: We’re learning that Ian McKellen suffered a fractured wrist when he fell from the stage during a performance of the Player Kings Monday night at London’s Noel Coward Theatre.
A spokesperson for the production says performances will resume Thursday, and tonight’s performance has been canceled. “Ian is recovering well, and [we] look forward to him returning to the production as soon as he is ready,” the spokesperson said. “We will keep audiences updated regarding remaining performances this week.”
McKellen was taken to a hospital in Paddington Monday, where he was treated for injuries that included a fractured wrist, according to sources who have spoken to Deadline.
The full statement follows below:
“The performance on Wednesday 19 June will be cancelled following Ian McKellen’s fall during the performance of Player Kings on Monday (17 June). Bookers for the affected performance will be contacted by their point of purchase directly.
We look forward to welcoming audiences back to the Noel Coward Theatre on Thursday 19 June. We are delighted that Ian is recovering well, and look forward to him returning to the production as soon as he is ready. We will keep audiences updated regarding remaining performances this week.”
PREVIOUS, Monday PM: Executives at London’s Noel Coward Theatre have issued a statement on Ian McKellan following his fall off stage from Monday evening’s performance of Player Kings.
“Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits,” the statement reads.
“The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest,” the statement continues. “Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.”
They also thanked doctors who were in the audience who assisted, and venue staff for their support.
You can read the statement in full below followed by eariler details.
“Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings.
Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits.
The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday 18 June so Ian can rest. Those affected will be contacted by their point of purchase as soon as possible tomorrow.
Thank you to doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support.”
PREVIOUS, 3:17 PM: Ian McKellen was taken to a hospital after falling off stage during a performance of Player Kings in London’s West End, the BBC reports. His exact injuries are not known, but his rep Clair Dobbs tells Deadline he “is doing OK.”
According to BBC, McKellen, who portrays John Falstaff, lost his footing during a battle scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy, when he fell off the front of the stage. The house lights came up as McKellen cried out in pain, according to the news outlet, and staff rushed to help him.
The evening’s show was canceled, and the audience was sent home.
The BBC spoke to an audience member who described the incident as “very shocking.” “I really hope that he is going to be all right,” Sandro Trapani said.
With a career spanning more than six decades, the 85-year-old McKellen has received a Tony Award, six Olivier Awards, a Golden Globe, five BAFTA Awards, five Emmys and two Oscar nominations. A British cultural icon, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
Player Kings began its 12-week West End run in April.
Baz Bamigboye contributed to this report.
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