Ian McKellen is sharing insights about his life following an incident in June that occurred on a London stage, resulting in injuries including chipped vertebrae and a broken wrist.

In a recent interview with Saga Magazine, published on Tuesday, the 85-year-old actor disclosed that he is currently wearing a neck brace and a splint on his right hand, two months after his fall during a performance of “Player Kings,” which is based on Shakespeare’s “Henry IV.”

“I’ve gone over that fall in my mind countless times. It was truly frightening,” McKellen reflected.

“My chipped vertebrae and fractured wrist are still healing,” the “Lord of the Rings” star mentioned. “I avoid going out because I worry about being bumped into, and I’m experiencing severe pain in my shoulders because of the shock to my body.”

As he recovers at his home in London, McKellen has relied on his neighbors, whom he refers to as “dear friends.” He expressed, “I wouldn’t be able to cope without their support.”

The accident took place during the June 17 evening show of “Player Kings,” with producers subsequently canceling the performance the following day “to allow Ian to recuperate,” according to a statement released to YSL News.

McKellen also shared a statement the day after, thanking National Health Service workers. “They have assured me that my recovery will be quick and complete, and I’m eager to return to my work,” he remarked.

Ian McKellen Explains the Events Leading to His Fall

The esteemed Shakespearean actor described that while portraying Sir John Falstaff, his foot snagged on a chair. He attempted to “shake it off” but instead ended up gliding across the newspapers scattered on stage “as if I were on a skateboard.”

“The harder I tried to free myself, the faster I went down a step, onto the forestage, and then into the lap of someone sitting in the front row,” McKellen recounted. “I found myself shouting, ‘Help me!’ and then ‘I’m sorry! I don’t typically do this!’ It was surreal. I thought it might be my last moment. It was quite distressing. I remained conscious and didn’t feel dizzy.”

McKellen acknowledged that his injuries could have been far worse: “I was dressed in a fat suit for Falstaff, which actually shielded my ribs and other joints. So, in a way, I was fortunate,” he added.

At that moment, he viewed the incident as the end of “my involvement in the show.”

“I constantly have to remind myself that I’m not too old to act and that this was merely a tragic accident,” McKellen reflected. “I don’t feel guilty, but I do feel that I let down the entire production. It fills me with shame. I had hopes of rejoining the play on tour, but that wasn’t possible.”

“Player Kings” continued its run with David Semark, McKellen’s understudy, stepping in for him. He shared the stage with Toheeb Jimoh (“Ted Lasso”) and Richard Coyle (“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”).

“There’s still unfinished business with my role as Falstaff,” he stated. “There are talks about possibly reviving the play, but we shall see.”