Ian McKellen

2024 - 9 - 3

Sir Ian McKellen: From Close Calls to Gandalf Glory!

British actors - film adaptations - Gandalf - Ian McKellen - LGBTQ+ rights - Lord of the Rings - stage accidents - theatre

The legendary Ian McKellen reflects on his stage accident, eagerly awaits his Gandalf comeback, and proves that 85 is just a number!

British acting legend Sir Ian McKellen recently opened up about a shocking incident that left him fearing for his life. During a performance of the play "Player Kings" at the Noel Coward Theatre in London, the 85-year-old actor lost his footing during a fight scene and slid off the stage. In a heartfelt interview, McKellen recounted his thoughts at that moment, saying, "I said to myself as I slid off the stage ... 'this is the end', these were the words in my mind." Fortunately, the star escaped without serious injury but admits to dealing with some emotional residue from the fall.

Despite this close call, McKellen has no plans of hanging up his cloak just yet. He revealed his hopes to reprise the iconic role of Gandalf in a new "Lord of the Rings" film. "As long as my legs, lungs, and mind keep working, I’ll keep performing!" he declared, showing that the fire within this seasoned actor remains as bright as ever. Taking the remainder of the year off to recover, he plans to return to the stage in January, ready to enchant audiences once again.

When discussing his experience and the inner critics that loom large in his life, McKellen expressed feelings of shame for not completing his run in the West End but is prepared to shake off the cobwebs and return rejuvenated. In the meantime, fans can catch him in the thriller film "The Critic," set in 1930s London, which is sure to showcase his vast range of talent.

Interestingly enough, McKellen is known for being his own harshest critic, a characteristic many successful individuals share. As a prominent figure in theatre and cinema, his impact is undeniable—from his beloved performance in "The Lord of the Rings" franchise to receiving multiple accolades, including two Oscar nominations. His resilience exemplifies how age is just a number, with many of his peers looks to him as an inspiration for continued passion and dynamism in their careers!

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Image courtesy of "CNA"

British actor Ian McKellen feared he would die in London stage fall (CNA)

"I said to myself as I slid off the stage ... 'this is the end', these were the words in my mind," the 85-year-old actor said in an interview.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Sir Ian McKellen has 'no plans' to retire and hopes to play Gandalf in ... (BBC News)

The 85-year-old also tells the BBC he hopes to play Gandalf in the new Lord of the Rings film.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Ian McKellen says he is fine but has 'emotional residues' after ... (The Guardian)

Actor, 85, says he is taking the rest of the year off after accident in June but plans to keep playing Gandalf.

Q&A: Ian McKellen is his own harshest critic as he discusses his ... (The Chronicle Journal)

Although he's not onstage, McKellen can be spotted at the theater in “The Critic,” a thriller set in the West End of 1930s London that's in cinemas Sept. 13.

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Sir Ian McKellen felt 'ashamed' and 'emotional' after stage fall (Sky News)

British acting legend Sir Ian McKellen, star of stage and screen - including the Lord Of The Rings series - is back with a new film, The Critic, ...

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Image courtesy of "Malvern Gazette"

Sir Ian McKellen to take rest of year off after stage fall (Malvern Gazette)

The two-time Oscar nominee, 85, lost his footing during a fight scene as part of the play Player Kings in June at the Noel Coward Theatre. Since the fall, ...

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Image courtesy of "Meath Chronicle"

Ian McKellen will not retire 'as long as the legs, lungs and mind keep ... (Meath Chronicle)

The two-time Oscar nominee he said he plans to take the rest of the year off, and will return in January.

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Image courtesy of "Powell River Peak"

Q&A: Ian McKellen is his own harshest critic as he discusses his ... (Powell River Peak)

LONDON (AP) — Ian McKellen is listening to his inner critic. It's beating him up for not finishing out his latest theater role after he fell off the stage ...

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Image courtesy of "Athabasca Advocate"

Q&A: Ian McKellen is his own harshest critic as he discusses his ... (Athabasca Advocate)

LONDON (AP) — Ian McKellen is listening to his inner critic. It's beating him up for not finishing out his latest theater role after he fell off the stage ...

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Image courtesy of "AsiaOne"

Ian McKellen dealing with emotional 'residue' from falling off stage in ... (AsiaOne)

Sir Ian McKellen is dealing with emotional "residue" after falling off stage in June. The 85-year-old actor broke his wrist and chipped a vertebra when he ...

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Image courtesy of "Hollywood Reporter"

Ian McKellen Open to Returning as Gandalf in New 'Lord of the ... (Hollywood Reporter)

“I've just been told there are going to be more films and Gandalf will be involved and they hope that I'll be playing him,” the actor said. By Lexy Perez.

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Ian McKellen Open to Returning as Gandalf in New 'Lord of the Rings' (Variety)

The films' original director, Peter Jackson, will produce the movie alongside his longtime producing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. The film is still ...

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

Ian McKellen Reveals He's Been Approached To Reprise His Role ... (Deadline)

Ian McKellen says he has been approached to reprise his role as Gandalf in new 'The Lord of the Rings' filmed being overseen by Andy Serkis.

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Ian McKellen has been appraoched to reprise role as Gandalf in ... (The Hindu)

Sir Ian McKellen may reprise his role as Gandalf in new Lord of the Rings films, keeping fans excited.

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Image courtesy of "FOX 10 News Phoenix"

Ian McKellen approached to return as Gandalf in new 'Lord of the ... (FOX 10 News Phoenix)

Sir Ian McKellen has been approached to reprise his role as Gandalf in the upcoming "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" movies, despite recent ...

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Image courtesy of "The Hindu"

Ian McKellen has been approached to reprise role as Gandalf in ... (The Hindu)

Sir Ian McKellen may reprise his role as Gandalf in new Lord of the Rings films, keeping fans excited.

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Image courtesy of "FOX 4 Dallas"

Ian McKellen approached to return as Gandalf in new 'Lord of the ... (FOX 4 Dallas)

Sir Ian McKellen has been approached to reprise his role as Gandalf in the upcoming "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" movies, despite recent ...

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Image courtesy of "Aussie Theatre"

Ian McKellen Announces He Will Take the Rest of the Year Off (Aussie Theatre)

Ian McKellen appeared on BBC Breakfast today to discuss his latest film, The Critic, and shared an update on his plans following his dramatic fall from.

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Image courtesy of "Bay to Bay News"

Q&A: Ian McKellen is his own harshest critic as he discusses his ... (Bay to Bay News)

Ian McKellen, poses for photographers upon arrival at the European Premiere of the The Critic, in London, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali).

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Image courtesy of "The Manila Times"

Ian McKellen is his own harshest critic as he discusses his stage fall ... (The Manila Times)

Ian McKellen is listening to his inner critic.It's beating him up for not finishing out his latest theater role after he fell off the stage during a June ...

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Image courtesy of "New Zealand Herald"

Sir Ian McKellen makes heartbreaking confession after falling off ... (New Zealand Herald)

Sir Ian McKellen has made a heartbreaking confession months after he shockingly fell from the stage while performing a theatre show in London. The...

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Image courtesy of "Athabasca Advocate"

Q&A: Ian McKellen is his own harshest critic as he discusses his ... (Athabasca Advocate)

LONDON (AP) — Ian McKellen is listening to his inner critic. It's beating him up for not finishing out his latest theater role after he fell off the stage ...

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