(London) Ian McKellen is resting, doing light exercise and undergoing physiotherapy after spending three nights in hospital. The actor fell on stage in London during a fight scene earlier this week.
The 85-year-old veteran actor thanked the public for their many messages of support following his fall at the Noel Coward Theater on Monday.
An understudy, David Semark, will take his place in Player Kings during the production’s final performances in London, a statement sent on Mr. McKellen’s behalf by his publicist, Clair Dobbs, said Thursday.
Player Kings is an adaptation of the two historical plays Henry IV by William Shakespeare, directed by Robert Icke. Several performances were canceled after the accident.
“The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, contribute to the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me,” the statement read.
Ian McKellen, who played the character Gandalf in The Lord of the Ringsis one of the UK’s most acclaimed Shakespearean actors, with roles including Richard III, Macbeth and King Lear.