LONDON (AP) 鈥 Actor Ian McKellen is resting, taking light exercise and undergoing physiotherapy after spending three nights in the hospital after he toppled off a London stage 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 Theatre on Monday. An understudy, David Semark, will take his place in 鈥淧layer Kings鈥 during the production鈥檚 final London dates, a statement sent on McKellen's behalf by his publicist Clair Dobbs said Thursday.
The play is an adaptation of William Shakespeare鈥檚 two 鈥淗enry IV鈥 history plays, directed by Robert Icke. Several performances were canceled after the incident.
鈥淭he many messages of love and support will, I am sure, aid the speedy recovery that my doctors have promised me,鈥 the statement said.
McKellen, who played Gandalf in the is one of Britain鈥檚 most acclaimed Shakespearean actors, with roles including Richard III, Macbeth and King Lear.
