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Michael Crawford I thought my career was over before The Wizard of Oz
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Michael Crawford last night (February 7th) made his return to the West End stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new play The Wizard of Oz.
The 69-year-old told the London Evening Standard how he feared he would never perform again after being diagnosed with myalgic encephalopathy (ME) in 2005.
"I did think my career was over. I had no idea if I was going to get better or not. It was inexplicable. I kept trying everything," he stated.
The actor was forced to leave his role in The Woman in White six years ago after collapsing on stage.
Following numerous tests, Crawford was diagnosed with the condition, which can cause severe fatigue, painful muscles and joints, poor memory and concentration as well as disordered sleep.
However, after taking time out to enjoy life with his grandchildren, the star explained that he began to find himself with more energy.
After several attempts by Lloyd Webber to get the actor back on the stage, he finally agreed to take to the boards at the London Palladium to play the wizard.
