Harry Potter Star Miriam Margolyes Says She ‘Doesn’t Have Long Left To Live’
Margolyes, 83, has enjoyed a remarkably fruitful career, appearing in family movies like "Babe and Flushed Away" alongside more esteemed roles in Baz Luhrmann's celebrated "Romeo and Juliet" and various theatrical productions.
In a new conversation, the cherished actress provided a sorrowful health update that left internet users heartbroken.
"She's a complete icon. A delightful individual who will create an enormous void," one supporter comments.
Another fan writes: "She's magnificent. She has championed fairness and diversity and we'll lose another exceptional person, but her heritage shows incredible kindness and insight. I will yearn for her presence."
"Surely the Wizarding World contains something to rescue this person!" another remarks.
In 2002, Margolyes earned an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for Contributions to Drama.
She has also claimed a BAFTA for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for The Age of Innocence, and Best Supporting Actress at the LA Critics Circle Awards for Little Dorrit.
When questioned about her profession earlier this year, the British-Australian performer responded: "I adore making audiences laugh. I've done this throughout my entire life."
Many viewers remember Margolyes as Professor Sprout from the Harry Potter series.
She attracted attention earlier this year when she stated that grown-up enthusiasts of the famous film collection should 'mature' and 'move forward.'
Known for her frank, extremely candid character, the celebrity ignited a fierce discussion among followers at that time.
"I create Cameos (customized video messages) and people mention they're planning a Harry Potter-themed wedding, and I think, 'Oh goodness what will their first evening of intimacy involve?' I can't even imagine it. Harry Potter is fantastic, I'm very thankful for it. It's finished. That's my opinion," she expressed in a discussion with New Zealand's 1News.
Last year, Margolyes revealed she underwent cardiac surgery.
During an interview on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, she elaborated on the procedure: "I now have a cow's heart," she disclosed. "Well, not the complete heart. I've had an aortic valve substituted with a cow's aortic valve.
"I don't know how typical this operation is. I'd never heard about it previously. But it prevents you from needing open heart surgery, which would be significantly more invasive."
Mayo Clinic explains that a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a procedure 'to replace an aortic valve that has narrowed and doesn't fully open.'
During TAVR, a physician substitutes a damaged aortic valve with one created from cow or pig heart tissue.
Margolyes additionally suffers from spinal stenosis, a condition where the space within the spine becomes too restricted. "This can create pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine," the Mayo Clinic explains.
Despite her current health challenges, the Call The Midwife actress declares she plans to continue her professional activities.
In conversation with the Radio Times, she revealed: "I'm concerned that I won't possess sufficient funds for caregivers when I eventually become paralyzed or whatever ailment awaits me. I'm accumulating money so I can compensate people to care for me and my partner."
Last year, Miriam Margolyes disclosed she underwent cardiac surgery.
For the first time in 12 years, despite her recent heart operation and spinal disorder, Margolyes will appear at the biggest performing arts festival globally, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she will 'animate the most vibrant and memorable characters' from Charles Dickens' literary works.
Nevertheless, in a fresh interview with The Telegraph, she discussed how her medical conditions affect her acting profession.
Margolyes stated: "I desire to portray roles that don't restrict me to wheelchairs, but my strength just isn't adequate." She described her health problems as 'constraining and disheartening.'
The performer acknowledged she feels her existence is approaching its conclusion.
"When you recognize that your life expectancy is limited – and I'll probably die within the next five or six years, if not earlier, I'm reluctant to abandon performing. It brings such happiness," she expressed.
