Miriam Margolyes, the beloved actress known for her iconic role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter series, recently opened up about her health, sharing that she feels her time may be limited.
Just a month after being hospitalized for a chest infection, Miriam made a bold and beautiful appearance on the cover of British Vogue to mark Pride month, posing nude.
Reflecting on her image, she told the magazine, “I appreciate my face. I find it kind, warm, and friendly. But I’m not as fond of my body. I have a sagging belly and slightly crooked legs. I’m not thrilled with that.”
The celebrated British-Australian actress, known for her candidness and wit, also admitted that her past unhealthy eating habits have played a role in her current health struggles.
“I’ve restricted my life because of my cravings for fudge, chopped liver, and cheesecake,” 83-year-old Miriam Margolyes confessed. “These silly indulgences. I shouldn’t have been so indulgent. I should have shown more self-control.”
In an honest conversation with Elizabeth Day on the How to Fail Podcast, Margolyes opened up about her ongoing struggles: “The one battle I haven’t won, and should have, is with my weight. I feel like a mass of blubber. I am overweight,” she admitted, even reflecting on her role in The Age of Innocence.
“It feels like such a loss,” she continued. “Is a cream bun, a piece of chocolate, or a serving of chopped liver really more important than your health and how you present yourself?”
Her health has been on a steady decline over the past few years. After undergoing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement in 2023, Miriam has been contemplating her mortality and the time she has left.
Despite these challenges, the legendary actress remains as witty and vibrant as ever, facing life with her trademark humor and strength.
In October 2023, Miriam Margolyes shared a humorous yet poignant detail with Jessie and Lennie Ware on the Table Manners podcast, saying, “I now have a cow’s heart.”
“Not the entire heart, though. I’ve had my aortic valve replaced with one from a cow,” the Age of Innocence actress explained, adding that she anticipates needing a wheelchair soon due to her declining mobility.
“I struggle with a bad back. I’m likely going to end up in a wheelchair soon. You really have to accept what life throws your way,” she candidly remarked.
And she wasn’t far off.
Alongside her heart surgery, Miriam is also coping with mobility challenges due to spinal stenosis, which has significantly impacted her daily life. In a recent interview with Radio Times, the actress, who is officially registered as “disabled,” shared that she now relies on a mobility scooter for getting around, accepting the reality of her physical limitations.
Yet, she continues to face everything with her signature humor: “When I started to experience physical decline, I would tell directors and producers, ‘Please don’t show me getting out of a car or crawling up stairs,’” said Margolyes, who voiced the lovable sheepdog in the 1995 film Babe.
Beneath the humor, however, she acknowledges the more challenging aspects of aging. “It’s restrictive and disheartening,” she admits, while expressing a desire to take on more roles that don’t require sitting in a wheelchair. But, as she honestly admits, “I’m not strong enough.”
Miriam also confesses to financial worries. Despite her fame and confidence, her health struggles have made her concerned about her future. “I’m worried I won’t have enough funds for caregivers when I eventually become paralyzed or face whatever challenges come my way,” she said, adding that she’s saving money to ensure she and her partner, Heather Sutherland, are well taken care of.
“We don’t have children, so I need to ensure I’ll receive the care I’ve grown used to,” she continued.
Margolyes, who has always been open about her thoughts on death, approaches the subject with a calm acceptance. “I’m aware that my time may be limited – I might only have five or six years left, if not sooner,” she shared with The Telegraph. “I’m reluctant to step away from performing. It brings me so much joy.”
Although she’s faced significant challenges from her heart surgery and spinal stenosis, Miriam’s spirit remains indomitable. Her ability to face difficulties with humor and courage offers a powerful lesson for us all.
Feel free to share your well wishes for this remarkable actress, and don’t forget to spread the word so her other fans can join in celebrating her incredible journey!