Miriam Margolyes, 84, shares candid health update as actress predicts ‘haven’t got long to live’
Veteran actress Miriam Margolyes has revealed she “doesn’t have long to live” in a candid reflection.
The 84-year-old, best known for her role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, shared her fears about mortality following major heart surgery last year.
The Oxford-born star, who won a Bafta for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Martin Scorsese’s 1993 film The Age of Innocence, has been open about her declining health and the impact it has had on her career.
Margolyes expressed her reluctance to step away from her passion for performing despite her health concerns.
“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,” she told The Times.
The actress added: “I yearn to play roles that don’t confine me to wheelchairs, but I’m just not strong enough.”
The actress has faced numerous 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.
Speaking on Jessie and Lennie Ware’s Table Manners podcast, Margolyes joked: “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. 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.”
Despite the successful surgery, Margolyes continues to struggle with mobility issues and pain. She has registered as disabled and relies on various mobility aids.
“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,” she told Closer magazine.
Despite her health challenges, Margolyes remains concerned about her future care needs. She has spoken openly about her worries regarding affording adequate carers.
During an appearance on Loose Women, she stated: “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.”
The actress recently visited her old school, Oxford High School, where she attended a performance by students, showing her continued engagement with the community despite her physical limitations.
Last year, the actress shared her fears about running out of money due to her health woes.
She admitted she was concerned she hadn’t saved enough money to be able to support herself and her partner when the time comes when they need carers.
“I’m saving up cash so that I can pay people to look after me and my partner. We don’t have children, so I need to make sure I’m going to be looked after in the way that I’ve become accustomed,” she told Radio Times in 2024.