Veteran British actor Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, was rushed to hospital late on Monday after falling from the stage during a London performance.

The 85-year-old actor was starring as John Falstaff in a production of “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End when he lost his footing during a fight scene.

“Following a scan, the brilliant NHS (National Health Service) team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits,” a theatre spokesperson said on Tuesday.

“The production has made the decision to cancel the performance on Tuesday June 18 so Ian can rest.”

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He is expected to return to the stage on Wednesday.

McKellen, who also played “Magneto” in the X-Men films, is one of Britain’s most recognised actors, having won many awards during a 60-year career on stage and screen.

“Player Kings” is a return to Shakespeare for McKellen, combining two of the Bard’s history plays about King Henry IV.

AFP