Miriam Margolyes is a beloved national treasure known for her bold personality, but over the years, she’s become just as famous for the scandals she’s sparked with her unfiltered comments. The 84-year-old actress is as infamous for stirring the pot as she is for her iconic career.
The Moment That Shocked a Nation: Boris Johnson and COVID-19
Perhaps one of the most shocking incidents came in 2020 when Miriam revealed she wanted Boris Johnson to die after contracting COVID-19. On The Last Leg, she said, “I hope he recovered, but I initially wanted him to die,” before later backtracking on her words. The controversial comment riled up audiences, but Miriam remained unapologetic. Over 500 complaints flooded in, but this only added fuel to her infamous reputation.
She once sparked more than 500 complaints when she said she wanted former Prime Minster Boris Johnson to ‘die’ from coronavirus
Clash with Harry Potter Fans: ‘Get Over It’
Another infamous moment occurred when Miriam enraged Harry Potter fans with her blunt comment that adults should “get over” the books, dismissing them as “for children.” Fans of the beloved series were furious, but Miriam stood firm in her opinion. This was especially bold given her own role in the Harry Potter films.
Miriam shocked BBC Radio 4 listeners by telling presenters what she had ‘really wanted to say’ to the new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt
The Jewish Controversy: ‘The Decency Has Evaporated’
In 2024, Margolyes ignited a storm when she made scathing remarks about the Jewish community, claiming that “the essential decency and compassion” of Jewish people had “evaporated.” Her comments were tied to the Israeli position on Gaza, and while she faced backlash and lost some friendships, she stuck by her controversial stance.
Fagin’s ‘Jewish and Vile’ Remark
Miriam’s candid nature also led to a historic clash with Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. During a radio interview, she called the character Fagin “Jewish and vile,” a remark that was later pulled from the BBC program. The damage was done, however, and it added yet another layer to her reputation for stirring up controversy with no regrets.
Royal Clash: ‘Be Quiet’ from Queen Elizabeth
Margolyes’ royal run-in is another unforgettable moment. In a 2022 interview, she revealed that Queen Elizabeth II told her to “be quiet” during a conversation at Buckingham Palace, a moment that Miriam found both shocking and deeply unsettling. This only solidified her image as an unfiltered force who doesn’t mind clashing with even the most revered figures.
Unapologetic and Unfiltered: Miriam’s Unstoppable Outspoken Nature
From her brutal honesty on This Morning—where she advised one caller to “lose weight”—to her continued refusal to back down, Miriam Margolyes is a lightning rod for both admiration and criticism. Her willingness to say what others would only think is what makes her one of the most unpredictable personalities in showbiz.
Will her next controversial comment break the internet? With Miriam, anything is possible.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
