Sir Ian McKellen Hospitalized After Falling Off Stage During Performance

Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen has been hospitalized following a fall during a performance of "Player Kings" in London. The incident occurred during a fight scene, and the remainder of the performance was canceled. McKellen, 85, reportedly cried out in pain and received assistance from theater staff and audience members.

Legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen has been hospitalized following a fall during a performance of "Player Kings" in London on Monday.

Sir Ian McKellen Hospitalized After Falling Off Stage During Performance

According to reports, McKellen, 85, was in the middle of a fight scene when he toppled off the stage at the Noel Coward Theatre. The remainder of the performance was canceled, and the theater was evacuated.

A BBC journalist inside the theater reported that McKellen cried out in pain from the startling accident.

Sir Ian McKellen Hospitalized After Falling Off Stage During Performance

"It was a very dramatic fall. He was on stage for about 10 or 15 minutes before he fell," the journalist said. "He was doing a fight scene with another actor, and he tripped and fell off the stage."

According to audience member Paul Critchley, McKellen appeared to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene.

Sir Ian McKellen Hospitalized After Falling Off Stage During Performance

"He picked up momentum as he moved downstage, which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience," Critchley told the PA news agency.

Theater staff and two doctors in the audience came to McKellen's assistance. He was taken to a nearby hospital for examination and treatment.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Noel Coward Theatre said that McKellen was in "good spirits" and expected to make a full recovery after undergoing scans.

"Sir Ian is in good spirits and is expected to continue with the run of 'Player Kings' following his recovery," the statement read.

McKellen is best known for his portrayal of Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. He has also appeared in films such as "X-Men," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Mr. Holmes."

"Player Kings" is an adaptation of Shakespeare's "Henry IV Part 1 and 2." McKellen plays the roguish John Falstaff.

The play will resume on Wednesday with McKellen in the production, according to producers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.