Veteran British actor Ian McKellen, known for his role as Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, was rushed to the hospital late Monday after falling from the stage during a performance in London.
The 85-year-old actor was playing John Falstaff in “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End when he lost his footing during a fight scene.
“Following a scan, the brilliant NHS team has assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits,” a theatre spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The Tuesday performance on June 18 has been canceled to allow McKellen to rest, but he is expected to return to the stage on Wednesday.
McKellen, who also portrayed Magneto in the X-Men films, is one of Britain’s most celebrated actors with a 60-year career on stage and screen.
“Player Kings” marks McKellen’s return to Shakespeare, combining two of the Bard’s history plays about King Henry IV.
