Sir Ian McKellan Reflects on Stage Fall: ‘It Was as if I’d Died and I Was Reading My Own Obituaries’

Over two months after Sir Ian McKellan suffered a fall onstage, the 85-year-old actor has revealed he’s made a full recovery.

Ian McKellen Says Wrist and Neck Injuries Are 'on the Mend' After Stage Fall

In an interview with The Sky , McKellan reflected on his fall in June, which occurred during a London performance of Player Kings, a production that merges Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts One and Two. McKellan, who played John Falstaff, reportedly fell during a fight scene, crying for help as the house lights turned on. He suffered a chipped vertebra and fractured wrist and subsequently dropped out of the U.K. tour of the production.

“There was such a hoo-ha in the press; it was as if I’d died, and I was reading my own obituaries,” the actor told The Sky . “I must say there’s some very nice ones. Very kind. But it wasn’t as bad as it sounded. Everything is physically mended. I’m having to deal with it emotionally. I felt ashamed of myself, and I felt I’d let the audience down, and I felt guilty.”

Sir Ian McKellen to Miss U.K. Theatrical Tour After Onstage Fall

In July, McKellan shared on social media that he was on the mend but confirmed in the new interview that he’s fully covered and taking a moment of rest. “I’m just aware there isn’t much time left,” he added. “I’m only giving myself three months off instead of six months. I don’t need six months.”

Sir Ian McKellen Set to Make 'Full Recovery' After Falling Off London Stage