40 Facts About Miriam Margolyes

Early Life and Education

Miriam Margolyes, a British-Australian actress, has had a fascinating life. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about her early years and education.

1. Born on May 18, 1941, in Oxford, England, Miriam Margolyes grew up in a Jewish family.
2. Her father, Joseph Margolyes, was a physician, while her mother, Ruth, was a property investor and developer.
3. Miriam attended Oxford High School, where she developed a passion for acting.
4. She later studied English at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she joined the Cambridge Footlights, a renowned comedy troupe.
5. During her time at Cambridge, she became the first person in her family to attend university.

Acting Career

Miriam Margolyes has had a prolific acting career spanning several decades. Here are some highlights.

6. She began her career in the 1960s with roles in British television shows like "The Black Adder."
7. In 1988, she won a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Age of Innocence."
8. Miriam voiced the character of Fly in the 1995 film "Babe."
9. She played Professor Sprout in the "Harry Potter" film series, starting with "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."
10. Her stage work includes performances in productions like "Wicked" and "The Importance of Being Earnest."

Voice Work

Margolyes is also known for her distinctive voice. Here are some interesting facts about her voice work.

11. She provided the voice of the Cadbury's Caramel Bunny in the UK.
12. Miriam voiced characters in animated films such as "Mulan" and "Happy Feet."
13. She narrated the audiobook versions of Charles Dickens' works, including "Great Expectations" and "David Copperfield."
14. Her voice work extends to video games, including "Dragon Age: Inquisition."
15. She has been a guest on BBC Radio 4's "Just a Minute" multiple times.

Personal Life

Miriam Margolyes' personal life is as colorful as her career. Let's explore some facts about her off-screen life.

16. She became an Australian citizen in 2013, holding dual British-Australian nationality.
17. Miriam has been openly gay since the 1960s and is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
18. She has been in a long-term relationship with Heather Sutherland, an Australian academic, since 1968.
19. Margolyes is known for her candid and often humorous interviews, where she shares anecdotes from her life.
20. She has a passion for gardening and often spends time tending to her plants.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Miriam Margolyes has received numerous awards and honors. Here are some notable ones.

21. In 2002, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama.
22. She received the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1988.
23. Miriam won the LA Drama Critics Circle Award for her performance in "The Importance of Being Earnest."
24. She was honored with the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Mainstage Production in 2013.
25. In 2017, she received the Helpmann Award for Best Female Actor in a Play for her role in "The Importance of Being Earnest."

Activism and Advocacy

Miriam Margolyes is not just an actress; she is also an activist. Here are some facts about her advocacy work.

26. She is a patron of the UK charity My Death, My Decision, which campaigns for assisted dying.
27. Miriam supports the Palestinian cause and has been vocal about her views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
28. She is an advocate for animal rights and supports organizations like PETA.
29. Margolyes has campaigned for the Labour Party in the UK, supporting their policies on social justice.
30. She has spoken out against ageism in the entertainment industry, advocating for better roles for older actors.

Interesting Tidbits

Miriam Margolyes' life is full of interesting tidbits that might surprise you. Here are some fun facts.

31. She is fluent in several languages, including French, Italian, and German.
32. Miriam once appeared on "The Graham Norton Show" and hilariously recounted her experience of meeting Queen Elizabeth II.
33. She has a collection of over 1,000 books in her personal library.
34. Margolyes is known for her love of chocolate and often indulges in it.
35. She has a keen interest in history and often reads historical biographies.

Recent Projects

Even in her 80s, Miriam Margolyes continues to work on exciting projects. Here are some of her recent endeavors.

36. She starred in the BBC series "Call the Midwife" as Mother Mildred.
37. Miriam appeared in the 2020 film "The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee" alongside Paul Hogan.
38. She voiced a character in the animated film "Early Man" directed by Nick Park.
39. Margolyes has been a guest on various talk shows, sharing her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
40. She continues to tour with her one-woman show, "Dickens' Women," where she portrays multiple characters from Charles Dickens' novels.

Final Thoughts on Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a fascinating figure with a career spanning decades. From her memorable roles in Harry Potter to her candid interviews, she’s always kept audiences on their toes. Her talent, humor, and outspoken nature make her a standout in the entertainment industry. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her work, there’s no denying her impact on film and television. She’s not just an actress; she’s a storyteller, a comedian, and a force of nature. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to speak her mind have earned her a special place in the hearts of many. As you explore more about Miriam Margolyes, you’ll find a treasure trove of performances and moments that showcase her unique charm and talent. Here’s to many more years of her captivating presence on screen and beyond.