Miriam Margolyes, who is best known for playing Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter movies, has shared a heartbreaking update on her health as she fears she doesn’t have long left to live
Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes has given a heart-rending update on her health, revealing her fear that she might not have much time left. The 84-year-old actress, known for her role as Professor Sprout in the magical franchise, opened up about her health concerns during an interview with The Times.
She confessed: “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.”
Despite her vibrant career, the Oxford-born actress has faced several health challenges over the years, including spinal stenosis, arthritis, and rheumatism. In 2023, she underwent a procedure to replace an aortic valve, avoiding more invasive open-heart surgery.
Jokingly, she said on Jessie and Lennie Ware’s Table Manners podcast: “I’ve got a cow’s heart now,” further explaining, “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.”
Although the surgery was a success, Miriam admitted she still endures pain and physical limitations. She has previously stated she is registered as disabled and relies on sticks, a walker, and a mobility scooter to aid her movement.
Miriam candidly discussed her health challenges and her status as registered disabled, confessing to Closer magazine that she struggles with mobility: “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.”
The esteemed actress has never shied away from speaking openly about her health issues, even hinting that her performances at the Edinburgh Fringe may be behind her due to pain and mobility constraints.
Offering an intimate glimpse into her struggle during a chat with Metro, she divulged: “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.”
Margolyes hasn’t kept her concerns over future care needs secret either, voicing apprehensions to Radio Times about affording adequate carers.
She further expanded on her thoughts while visiting Loose Women, where she admitted: “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.”
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