Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Spider-Man's fallen star gets back on his feet

Samantha Gross,Associated Press,In New York
Monday 27 December 2010 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A stuntman who fell 30ft (9m) while playing Spider-Man on Broadway is walking again – and his father says his son can't wait to return to the web-slinging role, despite injuries which saw him being treated in an intensive care unit.

Christopher Tierney was able to walk on Friday for the first time since his fall during Monday's performance of Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark and spent Christmas Day with his family in hospital, while recovering from back surgery, his father Tim Tierney said.

Julie Taymor, the director and co-writer of the $65m production, visited the injured actor in the hospital on Christmas Eve, Mr Tierney Snr said. The show – which is the most expensive ever staged – has been plagued by technical glitches, financial difficulties and three other injuries, including concussion and two broken wrists.

Mr Tierney Snr said he believes his son will regain close to full mobility after recovering from a range of injuries that included a hairline fracture of the skull, four broken ribs, a bruised lung, internal bleeding and three cracked vertebrae.

Mr Tierney will remain in the intensive care unit until at least Monday and then enter a period of rehabilitation.

As for when a return to the show might be possible, Mr Tierney Snr said he was more positive than his son's doctors, who were reluctant to give a time frame.

"Doctors – they're always pessimistic," he said, adding that the pins and rods his son now has in his lower back will be removed after he heals.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in