Inside actress Miriam Margoyles' life from longterm relationship and health
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TV and film actress Miriam Margolyes has been a familiar face since the 1960s and is one of the world's best-known actresses. The 83-year-old star has enjoyed a hugely successful career as an actress across the globe, with many recognising her as Professor Pomona Sprout in the Harry Potter film series.
Miriam, who is set to appear on Celebrity Gogglebox with Lesley Joseph, is also known for her role as Mrs Mingott in The Age of Innocence, with the role having bagged her a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress.
The actress is also known for her blunt and quick putdowns, which have caused her to go viral on social media. Miriam feared she didn't have much time left and a spinal condition has limited her mobility and acting roles.
Here we take a look into her life off-screen.
Early life and career of Miriam Margolyes
Miriam was born in Oxford in May 1941. She studied at Oxford High School and Newnham College in Cambridge. While at college, she began acting and then appeared in productions organised by Cambridge Footlights.
During this time, Miriam also represented her college in the first series of University Challenge. She went on to begin a career as a voice artist before landing her first acting roles and appearing in theatre productions.
Miriam's starred in dozens of films over the years, including James and the Giant Peach, Mulan, Happy Feet, Flushed Away, and Early Man.
The star is also known for appearing in Doctor Who, as well as her role of Prudence Stanley in the drama series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. She also starred in Call the Midwife as Sister Mildred from 2018 until 2021.
Miriam, who was appointed an OBE in 2002 for Services to Drama, spent several long periods living in Australia before becoming an Australian citizen in 2013, while retaining her British citizenship. She has continued to divide her time across several locations, including London and Italy.
Who is Miriam Margolyes in a relationship with?
Miriam is currently in a long term relationship with Heather Sutherland, who is an Australian retired professor of Indonesian studies. The couple have been together since 1968, but tend to keep their relationship out of the spotlight.
Miriam and Heather do not live together, but Miriam revealed in 2023 that she now wanted to live with her partner as they were both getting old and felt they didn't have much time left.
Miriam Margolyes' health and inspiring others
The 83-year-old was previously diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a condition that puts pressure on the spinal cord and restricts mobility.
In the years since her diagnosis, Miriam has said that she’s met countless people who have thanked her for being willing to show how she manages her condition in the public eye.
She said: "I’ve met loads of people who have said I gave them the courage to do things that they never thought they could. So I’m very pleased about that."
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, she told the publication when she believes she’s going to die. She shared: "When you know that you haven’t got long to live – and I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before, I’m loath to leave behind performing. It’s such a joy".
She said that she finds the physical constraints of old age "limiting and depressing" and added: "I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough."
Miriam Margolyes on why she joined Gogglebox
Miriam is now set to star on Channel 4's Celebrity Gogglebox for Stand Up to Cancer, alongside actress and broadcaster Lesley Joseph. The famous pair will join one another on the sofa to watch the latest TV shows in the upcoming series.
Speaking about appearing on Gogglebox, Miriam said: “When they asked me to do Gogglebox for Stand Up to Cancer, I thought, ‘Well, if I can watch television AND raise money for a wonderful cause, count me in!’
"What could be better than that – and doing it with my brilliant old friend of nearly 40 years - Lesley Joseph? She’s wise and funny and knows everyone; a perfect partner in crime. Also, Stand Up to Cancer does vital work, and if we two old birds can help towards that - just show me the sofa, I’m all for it."
Celebrity Gogglebox for Stand up to Cancer will air on October 25 at 9pm on Channel 4.
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