Anthony Hopkins Praises Ian McKellen’s ‘Unbreakable Spirit’ After Fall ArticlePure

Anthony Hopkins Praises Ian McKellen’s ‘Unbreakable Spirit’ After Fall ArticlePure

Anthony Hopkins is sending positive vibes to his friend Ian McKellen after his fall from a London stage.

On Sunday, June 23, Hopkins, 86, shared a sweet clip on Instagram showing the pair — who worked together on the 2015 film The Dresser — ballroom dancing to “Dance Me to the End of Love” by Leonard Cohen while wearing matching checkered jackets.

In the video, McKellen, 85, donned a flat cap while dancing next to his longtime pal, with him teaming his outfit with a purple scarf.

Revealing they were both wearing Gucci, Hopkins wrote, “Today I celebrate my dear friend, Ian and his unbreakable spirit… I love this man.”

“‘We both have our Gucci on…’???? Thank you, Salma ?? @ianmckellen @salmahayek @gucci,” Hopkins added, giving a shoutout to his friend Salma Hayek, 57, who starred as Pina Auriemma in 2021’s House of Gucci.

It’s not clear when the video was taken, and whether it was before or after McKellen’s fall on Monday, June 17.

The Lord of the Rings actor’s rep didn’t immediately respond after being contacted by PEOPLE.

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Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen dance together.

Anthony Hopkins/Instagram


BBC News reported last week that McKellen was recovering after falling off stage during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theater in London. The actor fell after losing his footing during a fight scene, the outlet stated.

The producers of the play then told PEOPLE in a statement that McKellen was expected to make a “full recovery” after undergoing a scan.

“Thank you to our audience and the general public for their well wishes following Ian’s fall during this evening’s performance of Player Kings,” the statement read. “Following a scan, the brilliant NHS [National Health Service] team have assured us that he will make a speedy and full recovery and Ian is in good spirits.”

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Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen dance together.

Anthony Hopkins/Instagram


McKellen has since thanked everyone for their “kind messages and support.”

“Since the accident, during a performance of Player Kings last night, my injuries have been diagnosed and treated by a series of experts, specialists and nurses working for the National Health Service,” he said in a statement to PEOPLE.

“To them, of course, I am hugely indebted. They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work,” McKellen added.