Miriam Margolyes: “I give people what they want and I love that moment when I stun them”

by

I recently complained about the number of TV shows simply named after celebrities, and how often they’re not very good. Now, a new BBC Two documentary featuring Miriam Margolyes has arrived, and it largely consists of her going about her day and chatting with people. While it might not be high-quality television, Miriam seems to be an exception to the rule – she manages to make even simple content engaging.

Simon Draper’s film, Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me, began as a podcast, but it quickly became clear that Miriam Margolyes’ vibrant personality wouldn’t be contained by any single medium. She naturally expands beyond boundaries.

So, whether she’s performing to a packed house at the Sydney Opera House, playfully scolding a reporter for overstating her illness (“people might not buy tickets!”), sending personalized birthday messages to fans through Cameo (“it’s good to have opinions”), or even just changing her clothes (“you’re not going to film this, are you?”), she consistently shares her unique perspective. The film feels natural and genuine, relying entirely on the strength of her personality.

Miriam has a wonderfully distinct personality. When I spoke with her for this article, she acknowledged that after a diverse career – including iconic roles like the voice of the Cadbury’s Caramel Bunny, a PG Tips chimp in 1980s commercials, and a part in the Harry Potter films, as well as performing a one-woman show based on Dickens – she’s best known simply as herself, even at 85 years old. When asked if she considers herself a celebrity, she modestly replied, “A minor one. I’m no Judy Garland.”

Since this issue focuses on children, we asked her what she believes is the most important part of telling a story. Having worked on classic children’s programs like Jackanory and Listen with Mother, she says it’s simply “being fully present in the moment.” Considering her fondness for surprising people, I wondered if she sees herself as a child at heart. She responded with delight, saying it was a very flattering and accurate description. Her history of surprising audiences is well known.

I had the pleasure of hosting her at Cheltenham in 2024, where she playfully disrupted the electronic subtitling system, silencing it to the delight of the audience. As she puts it, “I aim to give people what they‘re hoping for, and I especially enjoy that moment of surprise. The audience is always anticipating something.”

Her petite build, combined with her warm, classically British voice and ability to effortlessly switch to more casual language, create a unique presence. She approaches life with practicality, saying she’s embraced everything she’s been given. She shares her wisdom lightly, believing a long life combined with curiosity and genuine connection with others allows for constant learning. And when asked if there’s anything else, she simply states, “I tell the truth. I’m not afraid.”

Watching the documentary, it really struck me how Sally Phillips described Miriam Margolyes – she makes embracing a free life seem not just possible, but genuinely rewarding. Sally shared that the best part for her, as an actress, is stepping onto stage and hearing the audience’s enthusiastic response. She described it as a deeply moving feeling of being loved and truly seen – a real connection with the people watching.

Miriam Margolyes, who describes herself as an obese, Jewish, lesbian pensioner, has a remarkable ability to connect with people – from audiences in Sydney and on the Graham Norton Show, to strangers she meets in everyday life. She explains she approaches each interaction with openness, being both warm and direct, and always striving to be kind. She embraces her complex and sometimes contradictory personality, refusing to conform or hide any part of herself. In a world of often predictable celebrities, Margolyes stands out as truly unique and exceptional.

Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me airs at 9pm on Monday 13 April on BBC Two and iPlayer.

Authors

Caroline Frost

Read More

2026-04-08 12:09