SIR Ian McKellen was forced to pull out of a premiere for his latest movie because of his health.
The Hollywood legend, 86, was due to attend a screening in Canada for the film The Christophers but was unable to attend after he was banned from flying “on doctor’s orders”.
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Although Ian didn’t disclose what his health scare was, in a pre-recorded video message at the Toronto Film Festival he confirmed his “medical advisers” had told him he shouldn’t fly
The Lord of the Rings star added that it was “better to be safe than sorry”.
Ian’s new movie The Christophers is a dark comedy directed by Steven Soderbergh, and also stars Michaela Coel, James Corden and Jessica Gunning.
It follows the children of a once-famous artist who hire a forger to complete his unfinished works after he dies.
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HORROR FALL
The Christophers is Ian’s first movie since his horror fall in the West End last year.
The revered British actor fell off stage during a performance of Henry IV in London in June 2024, snapping his wrist and chipping a vertebrae,
He later admitted how the fat suit he was wearing on stage during the accident saved him from more severe injuries.
Ian explained: “My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are not yet healed.
“I avoid going out because I’m nervous someone might bump into me, and I’ve been dealing with agonising pains in my shoulders due to the jolt my body took.
“But the fat suit I wore for Falstaff saved my ribs and other joints, so I consider myself lucky.”
DETERIORATING HEALTH
Last year, Ian also admitted how his health has deteriorated and he now struggles to even remember his best friend’s name.
He explained to the BBC: “I forget names… When you’re older you’ve got more to remember than people who are young.
“Nevertheless, it’s a nuisance when you can’t remember your best friend’s name or forget your telephone number.”
However, Ian said that he was determined to keep working.
“What else would I be doing if I wasn’t working?” the actor said.
“Just keep at it as long as the legs and the lungs and the mind keep working.”
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