It is not difficult to prompt Miriam Margolyes to talk about those people she doesn't like. And there are a few of them. Over the years she has badmouthed fellow actors, comedians and musicians; everyone from Warren Beatty to Mick Jagger in fact.
Even in our short time together over Zoom she will have a go at a number of politicians, including Nigel Farage ("an a***hole)." and Donald Trump ("an evil b******"). Indeed, ask her who she hasn’t enjoyed working with over the years and she’ll happily tell you.
“The people that I didn’t like were Glenda Jackson, Terry Scott and John Cleese. They haven’t changed.” But, she immediately adds, “nearly everybody else was gorgeous.
” Still, it’s that outspokenness - along with her willingness to talk openly about sex (including her own sexuality; she came out in 1966) and money - that have made her such a regular on TV talk shows in recent years and, as a result, put in the running for 'national treasure' status. The invigorating fact is that Margolyes, at 83, is not going gentle into that good night. Margolyes has, she admits, become much more political as she has grown older.
That said, she is not in her nature angry or disaffected. She feels rage, yes, but, really, any conversation with her leaves you with a sense of joy. Angry Miriam always gives way eventually to happy Miriam.
Indeed, one of the pleasures of talking to her is to hear how much she seems to be enjoying her own life these days. Much of that comes down t.