Miriam Margolyes
Miriam Margolyes OBE | |
|---|---|
 Margolyes in 2008 | |
| Born | 18 May 1941 Oxford, England |
| Citizenship |
|
| Education | Oxford High School |
| Alma mater | University of Cambridge |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Partner | Heather Sutherland (1968–present) |
| Website | miriammargolyes |
Biography
Miriam Margolyes is a British-Australian actress, voice artist, and author, renowned for her distinctive voice, commanding screen presence, and outspoken personality. She was born on May 18, 1941, in Oxford, England, to a Scottish mother and a Jewish father of Polish descent. A gifted student, she studied English at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she also honed her skills in performance as part of the university's Footlights dramatic club.
Margolyes began her acting career in the 1960s, initially gaining recognition as a voice artist, lending her talents to commercials, audiobooks, and animated films. Her rich, expressive voice became one of her trademarks. On stage and screen, she built a reputation for playing eccentric, often scene-stealing characters. She won a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1993 for her role in The Age of Innocence, directed by Martin Scorsese.
To many, she is best known for her portrayal of Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film series, and for appearances in TV shows such as Blackadder, Call the Midwife, and The Real Marigold Hotel. Her career has spanned theatre, television, film, and radio, with an ever-growing list of international credits.
Openly lesbian and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Margolyes is also known for her candid, often irreverent interviews and memoirs. Her 2021 autobiography This Much Is True became a bestseller, offering readers a blend of hilarious anecdotes and heartfelt reflections.
In recent years, she has embraced a role as a cultural commentator and traveler, presenting documentaries such as Miriam’s Big Fat Adventure and Miriam Margolyes: Australia Unmasked.
Beloved for her authenticity, wit, and fearless honesty, Miriam Margolyes remains one of the most distinctive and admired figures in contemporary British entertainment.
Music (likes)
BBC's Desert Island Discs (2008)
- A Visit to Grandpa's - Dylan Thomas
- Jerusalem - Hubert Parry
- Der Hölle Rache (from The Magic Flute) - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Extract from Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
- Violet Elizabeth takes Control - Richmal Crompton
- Kol Nidrei - Richard Tucker
- Private Lives - Noël Coward
- Piano Quintet in A major 'Trout' – 4th Movement - Franz Schubert [1]
Literature (likes)
Miscellaneous
- Little Dorrit - Charles Dickens [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Miriam Margolyes". Desert Island Discs. 28 September 2008. BBC.