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Ian McKellen Turns King Lear Into Impromptu Q&A Following Injury
The legendary actor answered audience questions for over an hour after hurting his leg.
While taking the train to a performance of King Lear this weekend, legendary actor Ian McKellen hurt his leg -- and yes, we're as shook as you are that McKellen takes the train to work. While the performance of King Lear was canceled, McKellen decided not to turn the audience away and instead turned the play into an impromptu Q&A, sitting and answering the audience's questions for over an hour.
An audience member wrote on Instagram that "Determined to give the audience something, he spoke for over an hour about his life, career and love of acting, in particular of Shakespeare to a full house. It was utterly spontaneous, completely natural, and deeply touching. The theatre was full of love and compassion. Check out the actors and stage managers in the wings. We hunched there, delighted. And, the giant of a human will be performing tonight."
McKellen reportedly shared his opinions about using microphones in the theater (he's against it), gave his advice for aspiring actors ("Don't"), and did a few bits as Gandalf.
\u201cStanding ovation for Sir Ian McKellen, who welcomed his cast mates to the stage after being unable to perform. While I\u2019m obviously disappointed to not see King Lear, it was a privilege to hear McKellen share his thoughts on theatre this afternoon.\u201d— Katie Simpson (@Katie Simpson) 1533388886
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