Miriam Margolyes on Turning Down Roles and Her Candid Take on Hollywood

Renowned British actress Miriam Margolyes has been making headlines with her candid and often blunt opinions in her latest memoir, *Oh Miriam*. In the book, Margolyes shares unfiltered insights into her experiences in the entertainment industry over the past six decades.

Margolyes recently revealed that she turned down a role in the upcoming film ‘AGATHA‘ due to her dislike of America and the prospect of filming in Georgia for four months. When offered £500,000 (approximately $620,000 USD) instead of her requested £1 million, Margolyes declined the offer, jokingly attributing her decision to her own greed[2].

In addition to her comments on ‘AGATHA’, Margolyes has also spoken about her experiences working with other notable figures in Hollywood. She labeled actor Steve Martin as “horrid” during their time working together on the 1986 cult classic *Little Shop of Horrors*. Margolyes described Martin as “incredibly unfriendly” on set, particularly during a demanding scene where he had to simulate punching her, which she described as a “vile experience”.

Margolyes also criticized Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, calling him a “tiresome old git.” This criticism stemmed from her encounter with Jagger while performing *The Vagina Monologues* alongside Sophie Dahl, who was dating Jagger at the time. Margolyes noted Jagger’s lack of engagement with others, saying, “Important people should never think they’re important”.

Furthermore, Margolyes revealed that she declined a lucrative offer to star in a Marvel film centered around witches. After her iconic portrayal of Professor Sprout in the *Harry Potter* series, Margolyes was not eager to revisit a similar role and was also deterred by the prospect of filming in Georgia for four months.