Renowned actor Ian McKellen recently recalled a frightening experience he had on stage during a performance of *The Player Kings*. He revealed that the fat suit he was wearing for his role as Falstaff actually saved him from sustaining more severe injuries. In an interview with Saga magazine, McKellen shared, “I was wearing a fat suit for Falstaff and that saved my ribs and other joints. So I’ve had a lucky escape really…”
The Dramatic Fall
The incident occurred during a battle scene when McKellen’s foot became entangled in a chair. Describing the sequence of events, he explained, “My foot got caught in a chair, and trying to shake it off I started to slide on some newspaper that was scattered over the stage, like I was on a skateboard.” Despite his efforts to regain control, McKellen found himself sliding down a step, eventually ending up in the lap of an unsuspecting audience member in the front row. He recalled, “I started screaming, ‘Help me!’ and then ‘I’m sorry! I don’t do this!’ Extraordinary things. I thought it was the end of something. It was very upsetting.”
Post-Accident Reflections
Fortunately, McKellen did not lose consciousness following the fall, and the show continued with his understudy taking over. However, he expressed feelings of guilt and shame, stating, “I don’t feel guilty, but the accident has let down the whole production. I feel such shame. I was hoping to be able to rejoin the play on the tour, but I couldn’t.” The actor is still in the process of recovering from the injuries sustained during the fall, noting that he is required to wear a neck brace as his chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist have yet to fully heal.
McKellen’s stage fall serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and challenges that actors face in live performances. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the incident, his resilience and determination to recover highlight the unwavering dedication of a true professional in the face of adversity.