Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes has revealed emotional details about her declining health, saying she may have just a few years left to live.
In a recent interview with The Times, the 84-year-old — best known for her role as Professor Sprout — spoke candidly about the reality of aging and living with ongoing health issues, according to the Daily Star.
“When you know that 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,” Margolyes shared.
The Oxford-born star has faced a range of chronic health problems, including spinal stenosis, arthritis, and rheumatism. In 2023, she underwent an aortic valve replacement procedure that she believes saved her from needing open-heart surgery.
“I’ve Got a Cow’s Heart Now,” She Jokes
On the Table Manners podcast hosted by Jessie and Lennie Ware, the beloved actress explained, “I’ve got a cow’s heart now. Well, not the whole heart. I’ve had an aortic valve replaced by a cow’s aortic valve… it saves you from having open heart surgery, which would be infinitely more invasive.”
Despite the surgery’s success, Miriam admits she still suffers from mobility issues and chronic pain. She told Closer magazine: “I can’t walk very well, and I’m registered disabled. I use all kinds of assistance. I’ve got two sticks and a walker — and they’re such a bore. But I’ve just got a mobility scooter, which is a lot of fun.”
Future Roles May Be Off the Table
Margolyes has come to terms with the physical limitations affecting her work. Speaking about her appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, she acknowledged it may have been her last due to increasing pain and fatigue.
In an interview with Metro, she confessed: “I’m often in pain… bodily conditions make life difficult, so it’s unlikely I will do it again. But I love connecting with an audience, and I love sharing my knowledge and love of Dickens.”
Concerns Over the Cost of Care
She has also voiced worries about needing paid care in the future. During an appearance on Loose Women, Margolyes said: “One day I will need carers. I want to be comfortable and I want them to be properly paid for. It is really because I want to make money though — and they pay me to do it.”
Article updated 10 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
