Miriam Margolyes: Reflecting on her Acting Career, ‘Harry Potter’ Series ‘Wasn’t Important’ to Her

[Dumbledore]

Miriam Margolyes, renowned for her impressive acting portfolio that spans BAFTA-nominated performances in Martin Scorsese's "The Age of Innocence," "Reds," "Mulan," and her role in the TV series "Call the Midwife," among others, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. However, it is her portrayal of Professor Sprout in two "Harry Potter" films that has catapulted her to international recognition. Surprisingly, Margolyes remains somewhat indifferent towards the beloved franchise, as she recently shared in an interview with Vogue UK.

 

While acknowledging that her involvement in the "Harry Potter" movies introduced her to a new generation of enthusiastic fans, Margolyes revealed that the series did not hold the same significance for her personally. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the magical world and cherished the experience of working with the talented cast and crew. Nevertheless, Margolyes made it clear that in her view, "Harry Potter" did not attain the status of a literary masterpiece like Charles Dickens' works.

Nonetheless, Margolyes expressed heartfelt appreciation for the continuous love and admiration she receives from fans, as they approach her with warm sentiments and often express a desire to embrace her. She amusingly recounted how a British newspaper once referred to her as "a national trinket," a term that she found both clever and mildly sarcastic. With humility, she pondered whether she truly deserved the status of a "national treasure."

 

It was not too long ago that Margolyes generated a viral buzz when she shared a memorable anecdote during the "I've Got News For You" podcast. In the story, she recounted her less-than-pleasant experience working with Arnold Schwarzenegger on the supernatural action film "End of Days" in 1999. According to Margolyes, Schwarzenegger deliberately farted on her face during breaks between filming, an incident that left her feeling displeased and unforgiving towards the actor.

 

Margolyes candidly expressed her negative impressions of Schwarzenegger, citing his arrogant demeanor and his political affiliation as reasons for her dislike. She emphasized that she herself occasionally passed gas but found Schwarzenegger's behavior disrespectful, particularly as he intentionally targeted her in such a manner. Recalling the incident, Margolyes detailed the context in which it occurred, explaining that she was in a vulnerable position while filming a scene where her character, Satan's sister, was being attacked by Schwarzenegger's character. The actor took advantage of the moment and unleashed the unwelcome act.

 

In more recent news, Margolyes made an appearance in the drama film "My Happy Ending," a project directed by Sharon Maymon and Tal Granit, further showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Miriam Margolyes continues to captivate audiences with her diverse body of work, and while "Harry Potter" may not hold the same significance for her personally, she remains appreciative of the adoration she receives from fans worldwide.

[ProfessorMcGonagall]

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Edited July 4, 2023 by Craig Bowker

[Craig Bowker]

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[InsideTheTombs]

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Edited August 6, 2023 by InsideTheTombs

[Craig Bowker]

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