‘You Gave Me A Small Heart Attack’ ― Ian McKellen Just Gave The Internet The Jump Scare Of Its Life

Posted on 29/07/2024 by Boris Clair

We all know (and love) Sir Ian McKellen, right?

He’s known for iconic roles like Gandalf in the Lord of The Rings movies, Magneto in the X-Men films, the titular King Richard in Richard III ― I could go on.

Well, the star recently posted an image of him smiling in a pinstriped black top against a dark background on Instagram.

“On the day of the 101st and final performance of Player Kings – without me – I celebrated by removing Falstaff’s hair, which has been growing for 9 months. I will be in the audience for the matinee in Newcastle,” his caption reads.

He was referring to the play which he’s unfortunately had to drop out of “with the greatest reluctance” due to a fall.

But some people thought the post was an “in memory of” image (oh!).

Nooo!

Instagram users commented things like, “These posts always give me a fright. Looking good, sir ❤️😍. Oh, everyone in the comments feeling the same dread 😹🥹.”

Another (blunter) site user wrote, “Fuckin hell Ian don’t scare me like that.”

“Sir you gave me a small heart attack,” yet another comment reads.

More comments said, “I feel bad for older actors, they can’t even post a dapper picture without the entire internet thinking something awful happened. 😅. Glad you’re doing well, Ian!” and “Look at all the comments. Just goes to show what a truly international treasure Ian is 🙌.”

Thankfully, the star said on X (formerly Twitter) on the 2nd of July: “Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend. My doctors promise a complete recovery ― but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.”

He added, “Any actor will say that missing a performance feels somewhat shameful, even when he is not to blame. None of us ever wants to let down our audience. But Robert Icke’s masterful production remains intact. His mis en scene is compelling throughout and his actors, led by Toheeb Jimho and Richard Coyle as Prince Hal and his father, remain on top form. Go see for yourself!”

So, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief (go to see the play if you’re keen on spotting the man IRL!).

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Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend. My doctors promise a complete recovery -but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company…

— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) July 2, 2024

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Just two weeks after my accident onstage I want to assure my many well-wishers that the injuries (to wrist and neck) are on the mend. My doctors promise a complete recovery -but only if I avoid work over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile the show goes on and the Player Kings company…

— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) July 2, 2024

‘I Hope They Feel Silly’: Ian McKellen Names The A-Listers Who Turned Down Gandalf Before Him

Posted on 08/09/2023 by Boris Clair

Sir Ian McKellen has revealed he wasn’t the first actor to be considered for the role of Gandalf in the Lord Of The Rings franchise.

During a new interview with Variety, the award-winning Thespian discusses his new project The Critic, in which he takes the lead opposite Lesley Manville and Gemma Arterton.

However, Sir Ian wasn’t the first actor to be offered the part, taking over in the role after Simon Russell Beale was forced to drop out due to prior commitments.

“I don’t think you’re ever the first choice,” he insisted, before pointing out he “certainly wasn’t the first choice for Gandalf”.

Sir Ian in character as Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings

“Tony Hopkins turned it down,” Sir Ian continued, referencing the two-time Oscar-winning star of Silence Of The Lambs. “Sean Connery certainly did.”

He added: “They’re all coming out of the woodwork now, and I hope they feel silly.”

Sean Connery previously claimed he turned down the part of Gandalf because he “never understood” the world of Middle Earth.

“I read the book. I read the script. I saw the movie. I still don’t understand it,” the late James Bond star claimed in 2005.

While Sir Ian might not have been first on the list to play Gandalf, he won huge acclaim for his performance, including one of his only two Oscar nominations for The Fellowship Of The Ring.

The Olivier winner appeared in all three films of Peter Jackson’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy, before reprising the role of Gandalf in the New Zealand-born director’s adaptations of The Hobbit.

Jake Daniels Receives Wave Of Support From Footballers And LGBTQ+ Stars After Coming Out As Gay

Posted on 17/05/2022 by Boris Clair

Blackpool FC player Jake Daniels has received a wave of support since coming out as gay.

On Monday afternoon, the 17-year-old spoke his truth in a statement published on his club’s official website.

He said: “I’ve hated lying my whole life and feeling the need to change to fit in. I want to be a role model myself by doing this.

“There are people out there in the same space as me that may not feel comfortable revealing their sexuality. I just want to tell them that you don’t have to change who you are, or how you should be, just to fit in. You being you, and being happy, is what matters most.”

Since speaking out, Jake has received countless positive messages, including from his peers in the football world.

Well played, @Jake_Daniels11. It’s been a brilliant season for you on the pitch, and now through your bravery, off the pitch too. I’m sure you’ll receive huge love and support from the football community and many others will follow your path. Good luck to you. 👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/H1kqBCDSZ4

— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) May 16, 2022

I honestly think that, aside from a few homophobic morons, football will be incredibly welcoming and enormously supportive towards a gay footballer. It’s long overdue for a player to ‘come out’ even though it’s ridiculous that it’s even necessary. A footballer is a footballer.

— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) May 16, 2022

Massive respect for this brave decision. Let’s all help create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people in football and beyond! 👏🏽 https://t.co/KUpCaYPap7

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 16, 2022

Former footballer Ian Wright also retweeted a message sending “move love” to Jake and saying his coming out “will also mean so much to so many and help to normalise something that should absolutely be normal”.

The Football Association issued a statement saying: “Football is a game for all, with diversity at its heart, and this is a hugely positive step as we strive to build an inclusive game that we can all be proud of.

“We are with you and hope your story will help to give people across the game the strength and encouragement to be their true self.”

Meanwhile, a host of public figures from the LGBTQ+ community have also voiced their support for Jake.

At 17, @Jake_Daniels11 represents a generation that rejects old-fashioned homophobia in football and elsewhere: those who haven’t yet grown up as he has. He sets an example. No wonder so many of us, gay and everyone else, admire & treasure him as a hero. What a goal he’s scored!

— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) May 17, 2022

It’s a landmark day in British LGBT history. Brilliant, brave @Jake_Daniels11 – a professional Championship footballer with @BlackpoolFC – has come out. Huge respect to you, Jake, and to your club and teammates for supporting you. ⚽️🏳️‍🌈

— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) May 16, 2022

I salute you, Jake – https://t.co/1GR3Txa2gc
Jake Daniels: Blackpool footballer, 17, comes out as gay, becoming only openly gay male professional footballer in Britain

— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) May 16, 2022

Jake is the only current openly gay male professional player in the UK, and the first male professional footballer to come out publicly since the late Justin Fashanu 32 years ago.

Speaking to Sky News, he said: “I have been thinking for a long time about how I want to do it, when I want to do it. I know now is the time. I am ready to be myself, be free and be confident with it all.

“I feel like I am ready to tell people my story. I want people to know the real me.”

Jake praised his team for being “absolutely amazing” after he came out to them, saying his teammates have “all been so supportive and everyone has had my back”, adding that his captain had told him he was “so proud” of him.

“Their reaction has been brilliant. It’s the best thing I could have asked for,” he added.

Blackpool Football Club went on to say they had worked closely with the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall and “the relevant footballing organisations to support Jake” in his coming out.

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Tag Archives: Ian McKellen

‘You Gave Me A Small Heart Attack’ ― Ian McKellen Just Gave The Internet The Jump Scare Of Its Life

Nooo!

‘I Hope They Feel Silly’: Ian McKellen Names The A-Listers Who Turned Down Gandalf Before Him

Jake Daniels Receives Wave Of Support From Footballers And LGBTQ+ Stars After Coming Out As Gay