Ian McKellen's Recovery After Severe Stage Fall

Sir Ian McKellen has revealed that a fat suit he wore during his performance of John Falstaff in 'Player Kings' at the Noel Coward Theatre saved him from more severe injuries after he fell off the stage in June. The 85-year-old actor sustained a chipped vertebra and a fractured wrist, which have not yet fully healed, and he experiences agonizing shoulder pain. McKellen admitted he avoids going out due to fear of further injury and has struggled with feelings of shame and doubts about his ability to continue acting. Despite the severity of his injuries, he considers himself lucky due to the protection offered by the fat suit. He has since withdrawn from the production on medical advice but remains hopeful about his recovery. The accident has significantly impacted his daily life and professional commitments, leaving him to constantly reassure himself that age was not a factor in the incident.