Sir Ian McKellan looked his best again with a clean-shaven face after a shocking fall forced him to give up his role with Player Kings.
The 85-year-old actor fell while playing the role of John Falstaff in the play, forcing him to leave the production six weeks early.
Ian was starring in the production at the Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End on June 17 when he lost his balance during a fight scene and fell off the stage.
New photos show Ian wearing a wristband on his hand after suffering injuries to his wrist and neck in the accident.
His thick gray beard and wild locks were also gone from the photos, revealing a freshly shaven face and a smile for the camera.
Sir Ian McKellan looked his best again with a clean-shaven makeover after being forced to give up his role on Player Kings following a shock fall
He had also lost his thick gray beard and wild locks in the photos, revealing a freshly shaven face as he flashed a smile for the camera
Commenting on his new look on Instagram, he said: ‘On the day of the 101st and final performance of Player Kings – without me
On the day of the 101st and final performance of Player Kings – without me – I celebrated by removing Falstaff’s hair, which had been growing for 9 months,’ he wrote
On Instagram he said the following about his new look: ‘On the day of the 101st and final performance of Player Kings – without me.
‘I celebrated by removing Falstaff’s hair, which had been growing for 9 months. I will be in the audience for the matinee in Newcastle.’
Sir Ian spent three nights in hospital, suffering injuries to his wrist and neck, which meant he was unable to complete the shows.
Last weekend, Sir Ian kept a brave face as he surprised 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 support.
Earlier in the day, the actor announced via Instagram that he would be in the audience at the play in Newcastle.
Hair salon Supply 91 also shared a behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoot, in which Sir Ian shows off his shorter haircut.
Sir Ian put on a brave face as he appeared in Newcastle on Saturday to support the cast of Player Kings after being 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 June 17 when he lost his balance
Fans responded en masse, wishing Ian a speedy recovery.
They wrote: ‘So glad to see you here! Amazing experience. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery. Xx’
‘Your performance was amazing! I’m so glad I got to see and meet you. I bet removing Falstaff’s hair is a relief x’
‘I wish I could have seen you in Birmingham’ and ‘Congratulations on a great run! Shame you couldn’t finish it, but keep healing! We need you while we can have you’.
Despite his injuries, Sir Ian appeared in good spirits.
The actor showed off his style with a navy blue hat, long black coat, sunglasses and a patterned scarf.
Sir Ian had his hair cut by Supply 91 salon in London and posed for a photo, still wearing a wristband as he continues to recover
Fans took to the comment section to wish Ian a speedy recovery, writing: ‘So glad I saw you here! Amazing 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 shared a health update with his many fans via X, formerly Twitter.
He wrote: ‘Just two weeks after my onstage accident I would like to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to my wrist and neck) are healing,’ he wrote. ‘My doctors promise a full recovery – but only if I do not work for the next few weeks.’
“In the meantime, the show goes on and the Player Kings company will begin their four-week tour without me,” Ian continued on X.
“Every actor will tell you that missing a performance feels a little embarrassing, even if it’s not their fault. None of us ever want to let our audience down,” he added.
Sir Ian announced that after three nights in hospital he would receive ‘physiotherapy, gentle exercise and plenty of essential rest at home’.
The actor was appearing in a scene with 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 his aid.
Sir Ian said in his statement: ‘After three nights in hospital, the effects of my fall on stage have been fully assessed and I am now receiving physiotherapy, gentle exercise and much needed rest at home.
‘Meanwhile, my role in Player Kings is being filled by the formidable David Semark, supported by the wonderful production and cast of Robert Icke.
‘I am sure that the many expressions of love and support will contribute to the rapid 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 transferred to the Bristol Hippodrome and was subsequently performed in Birmingham, Norwich and Newcastle.