A veteran of stage and screen, Miriam Margolyes has enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic. The actress picked up a BAFTA film award for her supporting role in The Age of Innocence (1993), and more recently starred in the blockbusting Harry Potter franchise. She now joins Sky1’s Trollied, as Colin’s nan, Rose.
Why did Trollied tickle your fancy?
It made me laugh. I hooted – who can say why something makes you laugh? It’s character driven, which I really like and, when I watched the episodes they sent me, I thought, I’d quite like to be a part of that.
What can you tell us about your character Rose?
She’s naughty and wants life to be lived on her terms. It’s how I live my life. There was no acting required. NAR, we call it.
Have the Trollied cast welcomed you into the fold?
They really are the most warm-hearted bunch of people. Just lovely. I’m very lucky. I actually have interaction with the entire cast, too. Gavin, for example, is trying to stop Rose from causing trouble, so moves me from one department to another, which provide plenty of opportunity for hilarity.
You’re not a shy, retiring type – as demonstrated by your appearances on The Graham Norton Show. What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve ever said or done?
Probably to show my breasts to Martin Scorsese and his team [on the set of Age of Innocence] after a long day’s costume fitting. They were at the end of their tether, just tired out, and I thought, well if I show them my breasts, they will laugh themselves silly – which they did.
Who have you most enjoyed working with over the course of your career, and is there anyone you’d love to work with but haven’t had the opportunity to yet?
My favourite actress is Dame Eileen Atkins. She is the greatest actress working in the English language. Have I worked with her? Yes, twice. I worked with her in Cold Comfort Farm, then again in Doc Martin. She’s wonderful. My favourite American actress is Anjelica Huston, who I think is brilliant.
If you had to single out your most prized possession, what would it be?
All my pictures – I couldn’t pick just one. Every time I get a job, I buy a picture. I collect graphic art of the 19th century. Look up Gillray, Heath and Rowlandson.
Trollied returns to Sky1 on Monday, November 3rd.
