I enjoy finding the right word and giving each its full measure, its full space in a sentence. – Miriam Margolyes
I was waiting for a train at Waverley Station in Edinburgh. My knee was hurting, so I asked a young man for his seat. He replied, ‘There’s one over there’. I said, ‘Please’, and when he refused I poured my water over him. – Miriam Margolyes
I’d have thought my particular brand of quirkiness, combined with sharp intelligence and a fine voice, would have yielded more. But it hasn’t. Yet! – Miriam Margolyes
I have no secrets. I decided very early on in life that the strongest position was to be completely open. – Miriam Margolyes
I love political cartoons from the 19th century, and whenever I complete a piece of acting work that I’m particularly proud of, be it a film or play, I treat myself to a picture by caricaturist James Gillray. – Miriam Margolyes
While researching my ancestry I have unearthed many skeletons. It would seem that I come from a long line of ne’er-do-wells, especially on my mother’s side. – Miriam Margolyes
I don’t for a second regret my closeness to them because they were wonderful, golden parents who gave me so much confidence. – Miriam Margolyes
I used to get into bed with my mother every morning, almost until she died, and talk about everything. She was my closest confidante always. I had no secrets from her. – Miriam Margolyes
I’ve never been someone who is cast for having a lovely figure but for whatever qualities I could possibly bring to a role, so I’m still castable. – Miriam Margolyes
I refused to be filmed getting off a bus twice. The director said, ‘I’m an award-winning director. Please do it’, and I said, ‘I never thought I’d say this, but I’m an award-winning actress with a bad leg, and if your film depends on seeing me get in and out of a bus, we’re in trouble.’ – Miriam Margolyes
I’ve been fat my whole life and pretended I don’t mind. But I do mind. It’s really stupid that I’ve gone on being greedy and fat. – Miriam Margolyes
Mummy was absolutely the rock in my life. It was not that I didn’t love my father; he was such a quiet man, and she was not. She was the most vivid person I have ever known. She was accomplished and brave and fearless. She used to say to me, ‘I want you to be able to talk to anyone about anything.’ – Miriam Margolyes
It’s shameful to admit, but it’s been a bit of a lifelong affair, and I do now feel I’m as good as it gets. I’m honourable, kind, friendly, warm, intelligent, generous, and I’ve got a good sense of humour. – Miriam Margolyes
The main fear about growing old as an actor is not losing the looks. I never had any to speak of, and what I had I’ve still got, but losing the memory is another matter. – Miriam Margolyes
It makes me very sad. Everyone’s afraid of each other – Jews are afraid of Palestinians, Palestinians are afraid of Jews. Everywhere I see fear, not understanding. Reason went out of the window a long time ago. – Miriam Margolyes
People who were gay were pitied and ridiculed by my parents – they had no modern sense of people being allowed to be who they were. – Miriam Margolyes
I still miss my parents every day; I adored them. And when you have no children, friends are even more important to you. – Miriam Margolyes
I know that a lot of my life is spent thinking about crisps and eating crisps and hating myself for eating crisps. It’s just not worth it. Or it wouldn’t be if crisps weren’t so delicious. – Miriam Margolyes
People tend to think I’m funny and fluffy, but I can switch on a sixpence from extreme happiness to utter despair. I’m aware that doesn’t make it easy for people sometimes. – Miriam Margolyes
I’ve been very lucky – I’ve worked consistently, and I haven’t had to kiss a lot of people on stage. – Miriam Margolyes
I don’t think people realise how important it is to have your blood pressure checked. Stroke is so sudden, so catastrophic. – Miriam Margolyes