Sir Ian McKellen hid his neck brace with a scarf on a trip to the shops as he continued to recover following his shocking fall off stage.
The legendary actor, 85, was playing John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his footing in a fight scene and plunged from the stage into the audience.
Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital and was forced to withdraw from the show’s tour after suffered injuries to wrist and neck.
Now the actor was spotted strolling to his local Waitrose wearing a neck brace and with his hand in a splint.
Sir Ian kept a low profile in casual blue shorts and a T-shirt with a hat pulled down over his famous face.
Sir Ian McKellen, 85, hid his neck brace with a scarf on a trip to the shops as he continued to recover following his shocking fall off stage
The legendary actor was playing John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his footing in a fight scene and plunged from the stage into the audience
Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital and was forced to withdraw from the show’s tour after suffered injuries to wrist and neck (pictured on stage April 11)
Last week Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.
Writing: ‘Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend,’ he wrote. ‘My doctors promise a complete recovery – but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.’
After the shock incident, he was rushed to hospital to receive treatment and the remainder of his performances for the week were cancelled to allow him to rest.
‘Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company start their four weeks’ tour without me,’ Ian continued on X.
‘Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience,’ he added.
Sir Ian announced that he was having ‘physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home’ after three nights in hospital.
The actor was in a scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he fell off the front of the stage, and was heard to cry out in pain as staff rushed to help.
In his statement last Thursday, Sir Ian said: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall onstage have been fully analysed and I’m now having physiotherapy, light exercise and a lot of essential rest at home.
Now the actor was spotted strolling to his local Waitrose
He was wearing a neck brace and with his hand in a splint
Sir Ian kept a low profile in casual blue shorts and a T-shirt with a hat pulled down over his famous face
He pictured up some essentials including a packet of Italian biscuits
The actor carried his shopping in a bag for life
‘Meanwhile, my part in Player Kings is filled by the redoubtable David Semark supported by Robert Icke’s amazing production and cast.
‘The many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me.’
Player Kings, a production of Henry IV, parts one and two, adapted and directed by Robert Icke, ended its run at the Noel Coward Theatre.
The play will then move to the Bristol Hippodrome next month before being staged in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.
It comes after Ian appeared in good health last week as he danced around a luxury mansion with Anthony Hopkins, 86.
He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he larked around with close friend and fellow actor in matching checkered jackets.
Anthony posted the video on Instagram and paid a sweet tribute to Sir Ian, hailing his spirit ‘unbreakable’.
He captioned the post: ‘Today I celebrate my dear friend, Ian and his unbreakable spirit… I love this man. “We both have our Gucci on…” Thank you, Salma’.
After the fall, Sir Ian was rushed to hospital to receive treatment and the remainder of his performances for the week were cancelled to allow him to rest.