Oxford-born actress Miriam Margolyes has said she "doesn’t have long to live".
The star is known for her work as a character actor across film, television, and stage, receiving the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mrs Mingott in Martin Scorsese's 1993 film, The Age of Innocence.
One of her most beloved parts was her turn as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film series which saw her character tackle Mandrakes.
Ms Margolyes has issued a sad update whilst speaking to The Times, claiming that she "doesn't have long to live".
The 84-year-old said: "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.
"I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.”
Following years of living with spinal stenosis, the actress underwent major heart surgery back in 2023.
Ms Margolyes opened up about these health struggles during a recent guest appearance on Jessie and Lennie Ware's Table Manners podcast.
"I’ve got a cow’s heart now,” she said.
"Well, not the whole heart. I’ve had an aortic valve replaced by a cow’s aortic valve.
"I don’t know how common it is. I’d never heard of that operation. But it saves you from having open heart surgery, which would be infinitely more invasive."
Ms Margolyes recently visited her old school, Oxford High School, in the city and attended a performance by students there.
Share