Portraying the role of Magneto across almost two decades, Sir Ian McKellen is one of the most iconic actors that this generation has ever seen. Not only is the veteran actor now a part of the MCU, but his role as Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy is one of his finest.
Born in 1939 and being 86 years of age, Sir Ian McKellen has been vocal about his health issues stemming all the way back to 2012. Here are the general health issues that McKellen has talked about, and his 20+ year battle with cancer.
Sir Ian McKellen’s Recent Stage Fall
Ian McKellen’s most significant recent health issue occurred in June 2024 when the actor was performing at London’s Noël Coward Theatre.
During a performance of Player Kings, Sir Ian McKellen fell from the stage during a fight scene. He suffered a fractured wrist and chipped vertebrae. Although he had initially hoped for a quick return, the recovery for McKellen has been slow (via Vulture).
I don’t go out because I get nervous in case someone bangs into me, and I’ve got agonizing pains in my shoulders to do with my whole frame having been jolted.
The actor credited the “fat suit” that he had been wearing for his role as Falstaff, which cushioned his fall and likely saved him from even more serious injuries.
Sir Ian McKellen Has Been “Living with” Cancer for 20+ Years
Sir Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman | Credits: The Graham Norton Show via YouTube
Back in 2012, Sir Ian McKellen broke the news to the U.K.’s Daily Mirror that he had been suffering from prostate cancer for six or seven years, making his first diagnosis back in 2005 or 2006.
I’ve had prostate cancer for six or seven years. You do gulp when you hear the news. It’s like when you go for an HIV test, you go ‘arghhh is this the end of the road?’
He further stated that many men died from it, but his cancer is one of the cancers that is totally treatable.
I am examined regularly and it’s just contained, it’s not spreading. I’ve not had any treatment.
Even though Sir Ian McKellen has had this cancer for decades, it is something that he ‘lives with’ rather than something which is fatal or threatening his life.
Sir Ian McKellen Credits Pilates For His Mobility
Tom Hanks and Sir Ian McKellen in a still from The Da Vinci Code | Credits: Columbia Pictures
Other than his stage fall and the prostate cancer that he has been ‘living with’, Sir Ian McKellen has also talked about his health in general and how old age is affecting it.
During his talks to the Daily Mirror, McKellen seemed to joke that, although he was going through so many medical things, he was doing quite well.
I just got hearing aids, I am going to have a cataract removed from my eyes, I am having an implant in my mouth, I am dealing with the prostate…I am absolutely fine thank you very much!
The actor credited pilates for making him agile and mobile even in old age.
I do pilates regularly which is a series of stretching exercises and I recommend it to anyone of my age because the temptation is not to exercise when you get older. Well you should.
Despite these setbacks, Sir Ian McKellen has been confirmed to return for the role of Gandalf in Andy Serkis’ upcoming Lord of the Rings film, The Hunt for Gollum, proving that his spirit remains as sharp as ever.
Alongside Gandalf, the actor will also reprise his iconic role as Magneto in Avengers: Doomsday, and a high possibility for him to join the cast of Avengers: Secret Wars as well.
What role made you fall in love with Sir Ian McKellen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on December 18, 2026.
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