At 86, legendary actor Sir Ian McKellen is opening up about aging, mortality, and resilience. In a candid interview with The Times, the veteran star reflected on how a serious onstage accident in 2024 reshaped his perspective, while reaffirming his passion for performing.
A Life-Changing Accident
In June 2024, McKellen suffered a frightening fall during a London stage performance of Player Kings. The accident left him with a fractured wrist and a chipped vertebra, forcing him to step back from the production. On doctors’ orders, he also missed the 2025 premiere of his film The Christophers at the Toronto International Film Festival.
At the time, McKellen shared a pre-recorded message, saying he was choosing caution first, calling it “better safe than sorry.”
Facing Mortality
Reflecting on the incident, McKellen admitted that he no longer sees himself as “immortal.” He explained that thoughts of mortality come naturally at this stage of life, especially as he has watched more friends pass away. “When you are young, death is astonishing, a fascinating thing, but it’s a feature of getting older. Death becomes ever-present,” he said. Despite acknowledging his limits, McKellen emphasized that he remains fully committed to his craft. “I lost it for a moment, but I’m still ready to keep doing what I love,” he noted.
A Return to the Stage
McKellen has since returned to the spotlight with An Ark, an experimental play currently running at The Shed in New York City. The production uses virtual reality technology, allowing actors to appear before audiences without physically sharing the same stage. This innovative project highlights McKellen’s willingness to embrace new forms of performance, even as he reflects on the realities of aging.
Upcoming Projects
Far from slowing down, McKellen has a busy lineup ahead. He leads The Christophers, directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ed Solomon, alongside Michaela Coel, James Corden, and Jessica Gunning. He is also preparing for Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, co-starring Johnny Depp, and will reprise his iconic role as Magneto in Avengers: Doomsday.
A Legacy of Passion
McKellen’s reflections underscore the balance between vulnerability and strength that defines his career. While he acknowledges the inevitability of aging, his continued dedication to acting demonstrates his enduring love for the stage and screen.
