Ian McKellen Hospitalized After Serious Stage Fall

Actor Ian McKellen, who turned 85 less than a month ago, has been admitted to the hospital after a fall.

McKellen was in the middle of a performance of the play “Player Kings” when he fell off the stage at the Noël Coward Theatre in London.

The BBC reports McKellen lost his footing while acting out a fight scene.

After falling off the front of the stage, McKellen asked for help from crew members.

Kol Baker, who was also in the crowd, told DailyMail.com that Sir Ian "tripped over" props and fell "in almost a belly flop fashion."

"Instantly, he screamed and, honestly, the noises were bone-chilling," Baker said, recalling how McKellen yelled, "Help me, help me!" and, "My arms, my arms!"

Baker added, "The lights were on so quickly, the curtains drawn, and within seconds they asked to evacuate the whole auditorium."

Charlie Johnson, another audience member, told ITV, "I think what happened was he put his foot too far... He lost his balance and pretty much just went headfirst into the audience."

Johnson said, "And within seconds a blood-curdling scream arose from the actor. He was clearly in a lot of pain — he was screaming 'Help me!'"

Sandro Trapani was also there, telling the BBC, “I really hope that he is going to be alright.”

Sandro added, “As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.”