Miriam Margolyes has sadly revealed that she "can't walk" anymore and may be forced to use a wheelchair soon.
Margolyes, 82, is a beloved actress mainly noted for her work as Professor Sprout in Harry Potter - though it's her outspoken personality on chat shows that have really gathered her a big fan base.
Sadly, Margolyes has been grappling with spinal stenosis, a painful condition that affects the lower back and can severely hinder mobility. This condition arises from spinal pressure, causing significant discomfort in the legs, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Speaking on the How To Fail podcast, Margolyes bravely shared her struggles, saying: "The one thing I have not conquered and should have conquered is my weight. I am a blubber mass. I am fat. And to be fat and 82 is truly pathetic."
She expressed deep regret for some of her past lifestyle choices, adding: "It's such a defeat. A cream bun, a chocolate, or a helping of chopped liver is more important than your health and aesthetic presentation? No, it isn't more important; it's just greed, lack of discipline, all the things I'm embarrassed by in myself."
Discussing the potential long-term consequences of her choices, Margolyes admitted: "It is a major failure, and because of that, I've got spinal stenosis. I can't walk. I'm going to be in a wheelchair before I'm much older."
She continued to reflect on her past decisions, saying: "I've limited my life because of my longing for fudge or chopped liver, cheesecake. All these absurdities. I shouldn't have been so greedy; I should have been stronger. I f*** everything up by greed, and I think it's shameful."
Margolyes then contrasted her situation with that of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, praising her discipline and self-care, saying: "I mean, look at Camilla, our Queen; she's a good-looking woman; she's got her body in trim. I like her as a person... She's splendid and she's taken care of herself. It wasn't joy; it was laziness; it was greed – and I regret it."
Despite her regrets about her appearance, Margolyes maintained a sense of acceptance, saying: "I would like to be better looking; I would like to have a flatter tummy, and a stronger back and longer legs. But f**k it, here I am."
Earlier this year, the actress graced the pages of British Vogue in a stunning photoshoot that turned heads and as the magazine paid tribute to Pride Month.
In an exclusive interview with British Vogue, the Ladies in Lavender star delves into what it means to be both gay and Jewish while living under the relentless spotlight.
"I actually find lesbians a bit on the boring side, because they're a bit heavy-handed about it all," Margolyes admitted with her characteristic frankness. "I think gay people are very lucky because we are not conventional; we are a group slightly apart. It gives us an edge. We're good artists, we're good musicians," she continued. "And I like being gay. I wouldn't want to be straight for anything."
We wish Margolyes all the best in her current health journey.
