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During a revealing discussion, the acclaimed performer reflects on topics ranging from her newest character as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the profound lessons learned through onstage mishaps and fan interactions.

Given the Chance to Become a Sea Creature for a Day

Your latest role is the monarch of the cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; supposing you had the opportunity to be a fish for a day, which one would it be and why?

Straight away, the blue groper found at Clovelly beach – since it is a local landmark, and people go there to see it. I just think as remarkable that there’s a local fish that people actually seek out and talk about – it’s a special fish.

A Film Staple to Return To

What film do you repeatedly watch, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 comedy To Be Or Not To Be. I adore this film. During my growing up, it would air on the ABC every now and again, and one time I recorded it. I found it was hilarious. It’s Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Recently they were showing it at a cinema and I discovered that it was also the favourite film of a friend of mine, and so we attended and simply chuckled and laughed. It’s such masterful work of humor and the entire cast in it are superb. Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – that wasn’t as effective. But the original film is an exceptional farce, to be watched regularly.

A Priceless Insight Gained Through a Co-Star

What’s the best lesson you learned from someone you’ve worked with?

Years ago I performed in A Doll’s House alongside Peter O’Brien – my husband now, but back then we were not together. We portrayed characters as scene partners and on opening night I stumbled – I jumped ahead a few lines in the script. I didn’t know of my error but I abruptly sensed something wasn’t right. I remember glancing toward him, and he completely saved me, and then the scene took off again and proceeded splendidly. But I think what I learned then was, first, always trust the people you’re working with. If you don’t know your place, by looking and toward the actors you’re with, you will find where you’re meant to be somehow. It is a profoundly collaborative endeavor, acting on stage. And next, just to have a sense of fun regarding it. Sometimes when something goes wrong, things actually spark off in a wonderfully positive direction if you’re fully engaged then. It can be a gift when things go absolutely awry.

Heartening Interactions with Fans

Can you describe your most touching encounter with a fan?

There isn't a single specific meeting but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I am told numerous stories about how that character impacted them when they were growing up … events that occurred in their lives and how much that character signified for them and was some kind of help to them in those times.

What do you get asked about the most by Lord of the Rings fans?

The most detailed question is invariably regarding the stew her character prepares for Aragorn. “Did that stew taste really that bad?” It’s become a running gag, the whole thing about the stew, and all fans wish to know what was in the stew, and how was it made, and in your opinion her skills improved now, or do you think she really is a poor chef? People are, I think, fascinated by the comedy of that scene. And I provide great detail listing the ingredients that made up the concoction – as I recall what they did; like they even adding pieces of colored thread to make it look like blood vessels in the meat. The crew employed extreme measures to make it look as bad as possible.

A Cringeworthy Star Meeting

What’s been your most embarrassing run-in with a famous person?

I was at a pilates class and another participant lying down exercising, and the instructor said to me, “Hello Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I made some joke inquiring, “might you be a journalist?” Because it’s an uncommon moniker and most of the time when I meet another Miranda, they work in media. I wasn’t really identified her. And when she got up, it was the actress Miranda Richardson. Then I was at a loss for what to say. I was obliged to stay and do my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Goodness, I am aware of who you are!” I think her talent is immense and I was simply too awestruck to utter a syllable.

The Origin of a Moniker

Articles have repeatedly stated that you were given your name from Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned stating otherwise – can you settle the matter once and for all?

Yes – I was named after a district in Sydney. Mum heard on the radio that they were inaugurating a mall at that location, and the name seemed a nice name.

Pandemonium on Location

What was the chaotic thing that’s ever happened on set?

While working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon I experienced the most chaotic set of my career, and yet the film emerged incredibly well. But the local crew operated in a distinct manner. The sense of time there is unique. In Australia, you normally have a call sheet and must arrive on set punctually. But this was sort of flexible – one would appear whenever you happen to be ready. It was a novel way of working for me. The elements were being assembled at the very last minute, and sometimes they wouldn’t know the next location the next day the methodology. And then I would be in during a scene and wondering, “What was that noise that just interrupted the scene? Ah, it was a crew member popping open a bottle on set, to start a party.” The result was great, but wow, it’s a distinct style of film-making.

A Secret Skill

What are you secretly good at?

I naturally possess good with numbers. I memorise numbers more readily than I memorise words a lot of the time, I’ve just got that kind of a brain. So I believe had I not ended up in acting, I likely might have worked in involving numbers, like math or accounting.

The Finest Guidance Ever Received

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received?

During my time in secondary school, a speaker addressed us when we were graduating and they said, “have no fear to fail” … which I think is supremely valuable counsel, since one gains so much more from setbacks than is gained from success. Success, you never really understand exactly how it happened. With failure, the lessons are so much more.