Miriam Margolyes: A Life of Activism and Defiance

Strategic Insights -

Miriam Margolyes has had an illustrious career as an actress, comedian, and author, but at 84, she's also coming to terms with her own mortality and the complexities of her life. "I've kind of had it with England," she says, revealing plans to leave the country and move to the Netherlands to live with her partner of nearly 60 years, Heather Sutherland. Her book, The Little Book Of Miriam, offers a candid and humorous look at her life, from her experiences as a lesbian in the 1960s to her encounters with the British royal family.

Key Takeaways:

  • Miriam Margolyes has announced plans to leave England and move to the Netherlands to live with her partner of nearly 60 years, Heather Sutherland, due to post-Brexit changes that have made it more difficult for Brits with homes abroad to live there.
  • Margolyes has written a book, The Little Book Of Miriam, which offers a candid and humorous look at her life, including her experiences as a lesbian in the 1960s.
  • Margolyes was born to a Scottish GP and took elocution lessons to achieve the "cut-glass" voice that has made her fortune, but also has a gift for accents and a distinguished career as an English character actress.
  • She won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in Martin Scorsese's 1993 film The Age Of Innocence after flashing her breasts at the director during the audition.
  • Margolyes is a proud Jew by birth and culture, attends a synagogue, but does not believe in God, and has been critical of the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians.
  • She has been called out by the Campaign Against Antisemitism for her comments on Palestine, and has laughed off suggestions that she should give back the OBE she was awarded.
  • Margolyes has been open about her plans to ask for assistance in dying if she needs it, saying "I don't want to go through a slowly diminishing period of pain and embarrassment."
  • She has praise for the King and has been known to the royal family for many years, but is hesitant to call them friends due to not knowing them well enough.

Statistics:

  • Miriam Margolyes has been in a relationship with Heather Sutherland for nearly 60 years, and they have lived apart for that long due to their separate homes in London and Amsterdam.
  • The Little Book Of Miriam is published on 11 September and priced at £16.99.
  • Miriam has been told that her coming out to her parents in 1966 may have contributed to her mother's stroke.
  • Miriam has won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in Martin Scorsese's 1993 film The Age Of Innocence.
  • Miriam has appeared in numerous films, including Little Shop Of Horrors, Romeo + Juliet, Magnolia, Mulan, Happy Feet, and the Harry Potter series.

Sources:

  • "Miriam Margolyes: I might have to become Dutch so I can finally live with Heather" by Cole Moreton, The Mail on Sunday
  • The Little Book Of Miriam, published on 11 September by John Murray
  • Miriam Margolyes' interview with The Mail on Sunday, 2022
  • Miriam Margolyes' BAFTA acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in The Age Of Innocence, 1993
  • The Campaign Against Antisemitism's statement on Miriam Margolyes' comments on Palestine.