A biography for Miriam Margolyeshasn’t been written yet.
“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.”
“I studied English literature in university, and then I went straight into radio.”
“I had a very good kiss from Bob Monkhouse once. I thought, 'If I was straight, I would go for Bob.'”
“Anti-Semitism is a rotten thing. It's an ignorant, stupid, horrible thing. As is anti-Muslim feeling. They have to be together.”
“Adelaide's charms are compelling. It's not a huge place; the size is manageable, the traffic absurdly light.”
“Glenda Jackson called me an amateur in 1976 when we were in a play, 'The White Devil.' I've never forgiven her.”
“One of the worst things about ageing is the waning of your physical powers. I live in a house with 64 stairs, and I cannot run up and down them any more; my knee has conked out.”
“My vocabulary is vast and expert, and I don't think I overuse any word.”
“I really have fallen in love with myself.”
“In terms of my development as an artist, playing Professor Sprout wasn't all that important because she is well within my capabilities as an actress. But in terms of marketability, it made an enormous difference.”
“It would be absurd to say I'm not British - you can hear it when I speak.”
“I was terribly upset not to be in 'Dickensian,' so I pretend to look down on it. The part I should have played, Mrs. Gamp, is done brilliantly by Pauline Collins, but I entered this world for no other reason than to play that part.”
“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.”
“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!”
“With television, attention spans have been shortened. It's something we have to fight against: the dumbing down of the audience. To be part of an audience is a privilege. To be with the people on stage, to let them reach you. If you're doing a million other things, they won't reach you.”
“Being in Australia makes me happy. My partner is Australian, and my home is in Australia, and it's ridiculous not to be Australian - it's a logical step to take.”
“It's so important that people know there was a time before the NHS. It makes them appreciate it more.”
“My home in Adelaide was the Adina Hotel.”
“I have a class prejudice - against the upper class, which is foolish.”
“I may have a talent for acting, but I am incapable of doing anything else.”