Professor Sprout actor Miriam Margolyes says being in Harry Potter wasn’t important to her
Miriam Margolyes says she’s grateful for her Harry Potter role, but it’s not ‘Charles Dickens’.
The British actor recently sat down with British Vogue to discuss her career, which spans more than 50 years.
The 82-year-old made a name for herself in the theatre before starring in notable TV and film roles, including The Black Adder and A Nice Girl Like Me.
In the '80s and '90s, the actor began to star in several Hollywood films and was most famous for her role in Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence, which earned her a BAFTA award in 1994.
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However, by the time the early 2000s rolled around, Margolyes was introduced to an entirely new generation thanks to her role as Professor Pomona Sprout.
And while Margolyes was grateful to appear in the beloved franchise, it wasn’t all that ‘important’, adding: “It doesn’t mean as much to me as it does to them [the fans].”
She told the outlet: “For me, Harry Potter wasn’t important.
"I was very glad I got the part and I enjoyed being in it and meeting all the people, but it’s not Charles Dickens.”
While speaking to Metro last year, the actor opened up about her underwhelming paycheque from the franchise.
Ah, got to love her honesty.
“I never made Harry Potter millions. I think the three or four main people did and they deserve it but my character didn’t,” she said.
“I was only in two and I only got £60,000 (AUD $111,648) for being Professor Sprout, but I’m not grumbling... now.
"I grumbled then but it made me very famous.”
Margolyes has also previously revealed that she’s not actually a Potter fan, so don’t expect her to appear in the upcoming TV series, folks.
In a video on Cameo, shared by the fan who bought it, Margolyes admitted: “I understand you and Chris are huge Harry Potter fans. Here’s the thing, I’m not.
“I’m not against it, I’m just not interested. I’ve never seen a film. I’ve never seen the books, I’ve never read them. I just pocket the money when it comes and I’m very grateful for it.
“I think that JK Rowling is a terrific writer and I’m sure Harry Potter’s world is a good world. But it’s not my world.”
She's very thankful that her multi-decade career in the arts has led her to being an icon in some people's eyes.
"People come up to me and say ‘I just love you’, and want to hug me. And that is dazzling," she said to British Vogue.
Topics: News, UK News, Harry Potter, Celebrity, TV and Film
Charisa Bossinakis