Sir Ian McKellan has returned to sport a clean-shaven new look after being forced to leave his role in Player Kings following a shocking fall.
The veteran actor, 85, suffered a fall while playing the role of John Falstaff in the play, meaning he was forced to leave the production six weeks early.
Ian was in the production at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his balance in a fight scene and fell off the stage.
In new photos, Ian was sporting a wrist brace around his hand, after suffering wrist and neck injuries during the crash.
He had also lost his thick grey beard and wild locks in the snaps, revealing a freshly shaven face as he flashed a smile for the camera.
Sir Ian McKellan has returned to sport a clean-shaven new look after being forced to leave his role in Player Kings following a shocking fall.
He had also lost his thick grey beard and wild locks in the snaps, revealing a freshly shaven face as he flashed a smile for the camera.
Talking about her new look on Instagram, she said: ‘The day of Player Kings’ 101st and final performance, without me
“On the day of Player Kings’ 101st and final performance – without me – I celebrated by trimming Falstaff’s hair, which has been growing for 9 months,” he wrote.
Speaking about her new look on Instagram, she said: ‘The day of the 101st and final Player Kings performance, without me.
“I celebrated by cutting Falstaff’s hair off, which has been growing for nine months. I’ll be in the audience at the matinee in Newcastle.”
Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital and suffered wrist and neck injuries, meaning he was unable to complete the run of shows.
Over the weekend, Sir Ian put on a brave face as he turned up to surprise the cast of Player Kings on Saturday, after being forced to pull out of the show.
Six weeks after the horrific fall, the acting legend was still recovering from his injuries when he arrived at the Theatre Royal wearing a neck brace and wrist brace.
The actor took to Instagram earlier in the day to announce he would be part of the audience for the play in Newcastle.
Supply 91 hair salon also shared a behind-the-scenes snap from the photoshoot with Sir Ian showing off his shorter hairstyle.
Sir Ian put on a brave face as he turned up to support the cast of Player Kings in Newcastle on Saturday, after he was forced to pull out of the show.
Ian was playing John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on 17 June when he lost his balance.
Fans took to the comments to wish Ian a speedy recovery.
They wrote: “What a joy to have seen you like this! A wonderful experience. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Xx.”
“Your performance was amazing! I’m so glad I got to see you and meet you. I bet taking Falstaff’s hair off is a relief.”
“I wish I had seen you in Birmingham” and “Congratulations on a wonderful race! I’m sorry you couldn’t finish it, but keep recovering! We need you for as long as we can get it.”
Despite his injuries, Sir Ian seemed in good spirits.
The actor showed off his style with a navy hat, a long black coat, sunglasses and a printed scarf.
Sir Ian had his hair cut at Supply 91 salon in London and posed for a photo. He is still wearing a wrist brace as he continues his recovery.
Fans took to the comments section to wish Ian a speedy recovery. They wrote: “So happy to have seen you like this! A wonderful experience. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery. Xx.”
Last week, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.
Earlier this month, Sir Ian took to X, formerly Twitter, to share a health update with his legions of fans.
“Just two weeks after my on-stage accident, I want to assure all my friends that the injuries (to my wrist and neck) are improving,” she wrote. “My doctors have promised me a full recovery, but only if I stay off work for the next few weeks.”
“Meanwhile, the show goes on and the Player Kings company begins its four-week tour without me,” Ian continued on X.
“Any actor will say that missing a performance is embarrassing, even when it’s not their fault. None of us want to disappoint our audiences,” he added.
Sir Ian announced he was receiving “physiotherapy, light exercise and plenty 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 from the front of the stage and was heard screaming in pain as staff rushed to help him.
In his statement, Sir Ian said: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my on-stage fall have been fully assessed and I am now undergoing physiotherapy, light exercise and plenty of essential rest at home.
‘Meanwhile, my role in Player Kings is played by the formidable David Semark, supported by Robert Icke’s astonishing production and cast.
‘I am sure that the many messages of love and support will contribute to 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, has ended its run at the Noel Coward Theatre.
The play transferred to the Bristol Hippodrome before plays in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.