Beloved actress Miriam Margolyes, best known for her role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, has opened up about her health and mortality in a series of candid interviews. At 83, the iconic British-Australian star revealed that she doesn’t believe she has “long to live,” reflecting on her life, career, and the challenges of aging with her trademark humor and honesty.
Margolyes, who recently appeared nude on the cover of British Vogue for Pride month, spoke openly about her struggles with body image and health. “I like my face,” she said. “I think it’s kind, warm, and smiley. But I hate my body. I have a drooping belly and little twisted legs. I’m not thrilled with that.” She also admitted that her lifelong love of indulgent foods, like fudge, cheesecake, and chopped liver, has taken a toll on her health. “I’ve limited my life because of my cravings. I shouldn’t have been so greedy. I should have been stronger,” she confessed.
Her health has been in decline in recent years. In 2023, Margolyes underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, receiving a cow’s aortic valve to address heart issues. “I now have a cow’s heart,” she joked during an appearance on the Table Manners podcast. “Well, not the whole heart, just the valve.” She also predicted that she might soon need a wheelchair due to her worsening back problems. “I have a bad back. I’m probably going to be in a wheelchair soon. You have to come to terms with what life throws at you,” she said.
Margolyes has been registered as disabled due to spinal stenosis, a condition that has significantly impacted her mobility. She now relies on a mobility scooter to get around and has expressed frustration with the physical limitations of aging. “It’s limiting and depressing,” she told Radio Times. “I want to play parts that aren’t just sitting in wheelchairs, but I’m not strong enough.”
Despite her health challenges, Margolyes remains as sharp and witty as ever. She has also shared her concerns about the financial implications of her declining health. “I’m worried I won’t have enough money for carers when I finally get paralyzed or whatever is going to happen to me,” she said. “I’m saving up cash so I can pay people to look after me and my partner.” Margolyes has been in a relationship with Heather Sutherland since 1968, and the couple has no children, which adds to her concerns about future care.
Margolyes has never been one to shy away from discussing difficult topics, including death. “When you know 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 told The Telegraph. Despite her physical limitations, her spirit remains unbreakable, and she continues to face life’s challenges with humor and courage.
Miriam Margolyes’ candid reflections remind us of the importance of resilience and humor in the face of adversity. Share your best wishes for this iconic actress in the comments below, and don’t forget to share her inspiring story with others.
