Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes has shared an update about her health after going through a major heart surgery. She is best known for playing Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films based on J.K. Rowling’s books.
In a recent interview with The Times, the veteran actress spoke honestly about her health and her future. She said she believes she may only have a few more years left to live. Despite her condition, she still wants to keep acting—but only in roles that don’t require her to sit in a wheelchair, as her body is no longer strong enough.
Margolyes is currently dealing with several serious health problems, such as spinal stenosis, arthritis, and rheumatism. Last year, she had a medical procedure to replace her aortic valve. Instead of open-heart surgery, doctors used a less invasive method and replaced her valve with one from a cow. She joked that she now has “a cow’s heart,” though it’s actually just the valve. She said she hadn’t even heard of that kind of surgery before, but it helped her avoid a more dangerous operation.
Even after the procedure, Margolyes is still facing pain and has difficulty moving. She now uses walking sticks, walkers, and a mobility scooter to help her get around. She also described herself as disabled and said that physical pain often makes life hard for her.
Still, she deeply enjoys acting and performing in front of an audience. She shared that being on stage or screen brings her happiness, and she especially loves sharing her passion for the works of Charles Dickens. But because of her physical condition, she may not act as much anymore.
Margolyes first appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002, where she played the cheerful and clever Professor Sprout.
