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Through a thoughtful discussion, the acclaimed performer reflects on subjects as varied as her newest character as a regal sea creature to the invaluable wisdom learned through theatrical mistakes and meeting admirers.

Given the Chance to Become a Sea Creature for a Day

Your latest character portrays 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 you choose and why?

Without hesitation, that particular fish residing near Clovelly beach – because it’s like an institution, and people go there to see it. It strikes me as remarkable that there’s a local fish that people actually go and see and talk about – it holds a unique status.

A Film Favorite to Return To

Which movie do you always return to, and why?

The 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. During my growing up, it used to come on the ABC occasionally, and once I recorded it. I just thought it was hilarious. It stars the legendary Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Recently they were playing it at the Ritz and I discovered that it was also the favourite film of an acquaintance, and so we went and simply chuckled and laughed. It’s such masterful work of humor and the entire cast in it are fantastic. The director Mel Brooks remade it in the 1980s – that wasn’t as effective. But Lubitsch's version is an exceptional farce, 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 a couple. We portrayed characters opposite each other and on opening night I stumbled – I skipped forward a few lines in the script. I was unaware of my error but I abruptly sensed things were off. I remember glancing toward him, and he expertly rescued the moment, and then the scene took off again and proceeded splendidly. However, I believe the insight gained in that moment was, firstly, always trust the people you’re working with. When you lose your place, if you turn around and look at the people you’re with, you can rediscover your correct position in some way. It’s such collaborative endeavor, acting on stage. And next, to maintain a lighthearted attitude regarding it. Occasionally when something goes wrong, things actually spark off in a wonderfully positive way if you’re really present in that moment. It may become a gift when things go completely the wrong way.

Heartening Exchanges with Admirers

Can you describe your most touching encounter with a fan?

It’s not just one particular interaction but when I meet fans of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I hear a lot of accounts about how that character impacted them when they were younger … events that occurred in their lives and the extent to which Eowyn signified for them and was a form of support to them during those periods.

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

The most detailed question is invariably regarding that infamous meal her character prepares for Aragorn. “Was the stew really that bad?” It has evolved into a running gag, the whole thing about the stew, and all fans wish to know the contents of the stew, and how was it made, and do you think her skills improved now, or do you believe she really is a poor chef? Fans seem, I think, fascinated by the humour of that scene. And I provide great detail describing the ingredients that made up the stew – because I remember what they did; such as adding pieces of colored thread to make it look like blood vessels in the meat. They went to extreme measures to render it as unappetizing as possible.

A Cringeworthy Star Meeting

What was your most embarrassing run-in with a famous person?

I attended a fitness session and there was a woman on a mat exercising, and the teacher remarked, “Oh, Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark about, “oh, are you a journalist?” Since Miranda is an uncommon moniker and most of the time when someone’s a Miranda, they work in media. I hadn't properly seeing who it was. And when she got up, it was Miranda Richardson. Then I was at a loss for words. I still had to stay and do my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Oh my gosh, I am aware of your work!” I consider her talent is immense and I was simply too awestruck to utter a syllable.

The Source of a Moniker

It’s been repeatedly stated that you were given your name from Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet I’ve read stating otherwise – can you settle the matter definitively?

Yes – I was christened for a district in Sydney. My mother heard on the radio that they were opening a shopping centre at that location, and the name sounded like a pleasant choice.

Chaos on Location

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

While working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon that was the most chaotic set of my career, and yet the film turned out incredibly well. But the local crew operated in such a different way. Their concept of time there is unique. In Australia, you receive a schedule and you have to be on set punctually. But this was rather open ended – one would appear at one's convenience. It was a really different approach for me. All aspects were all coming together at the very last minute, and sometimes the plan was unclear where they were shooting or how we were going to do it. And then I would be in during a scene and be like, “What was that noise that disturbed the scene? Ah, it was the producer popping open some champagne on set, because he’s making a party.” The result was excellent, but wow, it’s a really different approach to film-making.

A Secret Talent

What are you secretly good at?

I’ve always been an aptitude for numbers. I memorise numbers more readily than I learn dialogue often, I’ve just got that kind of a brain. So I believe had I not pursued acting, I probably would have entered a field involving numbers, like mathematics or finance.

The Finest Piece of Advice Ever Received

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

During my time in secondary school, someone addressed us as we were graduating and stated, “have no fear to fail” … an idea I consider is supremely valuable counsel, because you learn so much more from setbacks than is gained from triumph. With success, you never really comprehends precisely why it happened. Failure, the lessons are abundant.