'X-Men' actor Ian McKellen on his way to recovery after falling off London stage

85-year-old has played various iconic roles such as Gandalf in ‘Lord of the Rings’ films

Veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen is expected to make a full recovery after a dramatic fall from the stage during a performance at the Noel Coward Theatre in London, Arab News reported.

The incident occurred Monday night during a fight scene in the production of Player Kings, an adaptation of Henry IV, parts one and two, directed by Robert Icke. McKellen, 85, who was portraying John Falstaff, lost his footing and fell off the stage, startling the audience.

According to a spokesperson for the theatre, McKellen is in "good spirits" following a medical scan that confirmed he is expected to fully recover from the fall. "Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene," said audience member Paul Critchley, who witnessed the fall. "He picked up momentum as he moved downstage which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience."

The incident led to the immediate assistance of theatre staff and two doctors who were in attendance. The performance was halted, and the theater was evacuated as a precaution. Monday night's show was canceled, as well as the performance scheduled for Tuesday, to allow McKellen time to rest and recover.

McKellen's illustrious career spans over six decades, featuring iconic roles such as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings films and Magneto in the X-Men series. He has also portrayed numerous Shakespearean characters, including Richard II, Macbeth, and King Lear. McKellen has been honored with a Tony Award for Amadeus, multiple Laurence Olivier Awards, and nominations for two Oscars and several BAFTA awards.

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, fans and colleagues are relieved by the positive prognosis and look forward to McKellen's swift return to the stage.

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