“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.'”

British and Australian actress and comedian

Miriam Margolyes is a British and Australian actress and comedian. Born in 1941, she is known for character roles on film, television, and stage, and for a long career that has made her a familiar screen presence. She won the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for playing Mrs Mingott in Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence (1993). She also became widely known for portraying Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011. In 2002, she was appointed OBE for services to drama.