Miriam Margolyes is a well-known British actress featured in many popular films and theater productions. She has been open about her health struggles as she ages and shared a heartbreaking update. Here’s what you need to know.
She is beloved by many fans.
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Miriam Margolyes is a beloved actress known by many fans in the UK and across the world, particularly for her role in the Harry Potter series. She played Professor Sprout in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and then again in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Professor Sprout is an iconic but minor role in the series.
In both the books and the films, Pomona Sprout is a professor of herbology at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. She is also head of Hufflepuff House and is known for her loyalty, cheerfulness, and directness.
The character’s most iconic scene is from the second book and film when she teaches Harry and his friends how to pot mandrakes, a magical plant.
While it’s her most famous role, she has mixed feelings about the franchise.
Embed from Getty ImagesMargolyes is most recognizable for this acting role, but she shared earlier this year that she worried about some Harry Potter fans who still had such strong feelings about the series. She said, “It was 25 years ago, and it’s for children—I think it’s for children.”
Some Potter fans were upset with this, while others didn’t mind.
Margolyes has had many other acting roles over her lifetime.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlong with Harry Potter, Margolyes is known for live-action roles like Romeo + Juliet and many voice-acting performances, including in Babe, Flushed Away, and Mulan.
Her theater roles include Madame Morrible in productions of Wicked on Broadway and the West End.
She has been open about her health struggles.
Embed from Getty ImagesEarlier this year, she told The Telegraph, “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.”
Margolyes wants to continue acting while she is able.
Embed from Getty ImagesMargolyes explained she wants to continue acting while she can, although spinal stenosis, a condition that causes pain and numbness, makes that challenging for her.
She said, “I want to be able to play parts that aren’t just sitting in wheelchairs, but I’m not strong enough.”
Fans of Harry Potter and British factors are still reeling over the loss of Dame Maggie Smith.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Miriam Margolyes is still doing well overall, it’s difficult for many people to see beloved actors get older. Many people worldwide are still upset over the recent death of Dame Maggie Smith, who played Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and had many other iconic roles.
Other beloved actors from the series are still being fondly remembered.
Embed from Getty ImagesFans will always hold a special place in their hearts for actors like Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape, and Michael Gambon and Richard Harris, who both played Albus Dumbledore.
Rickman passed away in 2016, while Gamdon and Richard passed in 2023 and 2002, respectively.
Sending good thoughts that Margolyes will live many more happy years!
Embed from Getty ImagesMargolyes is getting older and continues to share her health journey. While her condition may impact her ability to perform some roles, she is still enjoying acting. We hope that she continues to have many great years doing what she loves, whether that’s acting or anything else.
