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In a candid interview, the acclaimed performer delves on topics ranging from her newest character as a regal sea creature to the profound lessons gleaned from theatrical mistakes and fan interactions.

Given the Chance to Become a Sea Creature for a Day

Your latest role is Queen 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?

Without hesitation, that particular fish residing near a specific shoreline – because it’s like an institution, and people go there specifically to spot it. I just think it’s cool that there’s a local fish that people actually seek out and discuss – it holds a unique status.

A Film Staple to Revisit

Which movie do you repeatedly watch, and why?

The 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. When I was childhood, it would air on television occasionally, 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 an acquaintance, and so we went and simply chuckled repeatedly. It is a great piece of comedy and all the actors in it are superb. Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – which was not as effective. But the original film is a brilliant comedy, worth viewing regularly.

A Priceless Insight Learned From a Fellow Actor

What is the most valuable lesson you took away from someone you’ve worked with?

Years ago I performed in A Doll’s House with Pete – my husband now, but at the time we were not together. We were playing as scene partners and during the premiere I stumbled – I skipped forward a few lines in the script. I didn’t know what I’d done but I suddenly realised something wasn’t right. I recall looking at him, and he completely saved me, and then our performance took off again and went really, really well. But I think what I learned in that moment was, first, consistently rely on the individuals you’re working with. If you don’t know where you are, if you turn around and look at the actors you’re with, you will find where you’re meant to be in some way. It is a profoundly collaborative endeavor, performing live. And secondly, just to have a sense of fun regarding it. Sometimes when a mistake occurs, things can ignite in a really great way provided you are fully engaged in that moment. It may become an unexpected boon when things go absolutely awry.

Memorable Interactions with Fans

What’s been your most touching encounter with a fan?

It’s not a single particular interaction but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I am told numerous accounts about what Eowyn meant to them when they were younger … events that occurred in their lives and how much Eowyn signified for them and was a form of support to them during those periods.

Which questions get asked most frequently by Lord of the Rings fans?

The most specific question is always about that infamous meal that Eowyn serves Aragorn. “Did that stew taste really that bad?” It’s become such a joke, the entire episode about the stew, and everyone wants to know what was in the pot, 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 situation. And I go into lengthy descriptions describing the ingredients that made up the concoction – because I remember what they did; such as put bits of colored thread to make it look like bits of veins in the meat. The crew employed extreme measures to make it look as unappetizing as possible.

A Cringeworthy Star Meeting

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

I attended a pilates class and another participant lying down doing pilates, and the teacher said to me, “Oh, Miranda, meet Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark inquiring, “might you be a journalist?” Because it’s an uncommon moniker and often when someone’s a Miranda, they work in media. I wasn’t really seeing who it was. And as she rose, it was Miranda Richardson. Then I didn’t know what to say. I was obliged to complete my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Goodness, I do know your work!” I think her talent is immense and I was simply too awestruck to say anything.

The Origin of a Moniker

It’s been confidently claimed that you were named after Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned stating otherwise – can you settle the matter once and for all?

Indeed, I was christened for a district in Sydney. Mum learned via broadcast that they were inaugurating a shopping centre at Miranda, and she thought sounded like a pleasant choice.

Chaos on Location

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

When I was working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon that was the least organized set of my career, and yet the film emerged brilliantly. But they just work in such a different way. Their concept of time there is really different. Typically, you receive a call sheet and must arrive on set by a certain time. But this was sort of flexible – you come on set whenever you happen to be ready. It was a really different approach for me. The elements were being assembled at the very last minute, and sometimes the plan was unclear the next location or how we were going to do it. And then I would be in during a scene and be like, “What caused that sound that disturbed the scene? Ah, it was the producer popping open some champagne on set, because he’s making a party.” It turned out great, but wow, it’s a distinct style of film-making.

A Hidden Skill

Do you have a secretly good at?

I naturally possess good with numbers. I memorise numbers more readily than I learn dialogue a lot of the time, I simply have that kind of a brain. So I think if I hadn’t pursued acting, I likely might have worked in involving numbers, like math or accounting.

The Best Piece of Advice Given

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

When I was in high school, someone came to speak when we were graduating and stated, “have no fear to fail” … an idea I consider is the best piece of advice, because you learn so much more from failure than is gained from success. With success, you never really understand exactly how it happened. Failure, the lessons are abundant.