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In a candid interview, the acclaimed performer opens up on subjects as varied as her latest role as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the profound lessons gleaned from theatrical mistakes and meeting admirers.

Given the Chance to Become a Sea Creature for a Day

The most recent role is Queen of the Cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; if you could be a fish for a day, which one would it be and why?

Without hesitation, that particular fish found at Clovelly beach – because it’s a local landmark, and people go there to see 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 Favorite to Revisit

Which movie do you always return to, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I adore this picture. When I was growing up, it would air on the ABC every now and again, and one time I videotaped it. I found it was hilarious. It stars the legendary Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Not long ago they were playing it at a cinema and it turned out that it was the preferred movie of a friend of mine, and so we went and simply chuckled repeatedly. It’s such great piece of comedy and all the actors in it are fantastic. Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – which was not successful. But Lubitsch's version is a brilliant comedy, to be watched regularly.

The Best Lesson Learned From a Fellow Actor

What is the most valuable lesson you took away from someone a colleague?

Years ago I performed in A Doll’s House alongside Peter O’Brien – my husband now, but back then we were not a couple. We were playing opposite each other and during the premiere I stumbled – I skipped forward some dialogue 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 expertly rescued the moment, and then our performance took off again and proceeded splendidly. But I think the insight gained in that moment was, first, always trust the people in your scene. If you don’t know where you are, if you turn around and toward the actors sharing the stage with, you will find your correct position in some way. It’s such communal thing, acting on stage. And secondly, just to have a lighthearted attitude about it. Occasionally when a mistake occurs, things can ignite in a really great way if you’re really present in that moment. It can be an unexpected boon when things go completely the wrong way.

Heartening Exchanges with Fans

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

There isn't a single particular interaction but when I meet fans of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I hear a lot of stories about what Eowyn meant to them when they were younger … things that had happened in their lives and the extent to which Eowyn meant to them and was a form of support to them in those times.

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

The most specific question is invariably regarding the stew her character prepares for Aragorn. “Did that stew taste as terrible as it looked?” It’s become such a joke, the whole thing about the stew, and all fans wish to know what was in the stew, and its preparation method, and do you think her skills improved now, or do you believe she really is a bad cook? People are, I think, fascinated by the comedy of that scene. And I provide great detail listing the components that made up the concoction – as I recall the efforts made; like they even put bits of colored thread to simulate the appearance like blood vessels in the meat. They went to great detail to make it look as bad as possible.

An Awkward Star Meeting

What was your most cringeworthy celebrity encounter?

I was at a pilates class and another participant on a mat doing pilates, and the teacher remarked, “Oh, Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I made some joke about, “oh, are you a journalist?” Because it’s an unusual name and often when I meet another Miranda, they work in media. I wasn’t really identified her. And as she rose, it was Miranda Richardson. Then I was at a loss for words. I still had to stay and do my class, and I experienced intense awkwardness. I wanted to say: “Oh my gosh, I do know who you are!” I consider her talent is immense and I was simply too awestruck to utter a syllable.

The Source of a Name

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 definitively?

Yes – I was named after the Sydney suburb. My mother learned via broadcast that they were inaugurating a shopping centre at that location, and the name seemed a pleasant choice.

Pandemonium on Set

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

When I was working in Brazil for the film Reaching for the Moon I experienced the most chaotic set of my career, and yet the final product emerged brilliantly. But the local crew operated in a distinct manner. Their concept of time there is unique. In Australia, you receive a call sheet and you have to be on set punctually. But this was rather open ended – 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 at times 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 the producer popping open some champagne during filming, because he’s making a party.” It turned out excellent, but goodness, it’s a really different approach to film-making.

A Hidden Skill

What are you secretly good at?

I’ve always been an aptitude for numbers. I retain numbers easier than I memorise words often, I simply have that kind of a brain. So I believe had I not ended up in acting, I probably would have worked in involving numbers, like math or accounting.

The Best Piece of Advice Ever Received

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

During my time in secondary school, a speaker came to speak when we were graduating and they said, “don’t be afraid to fail” … an idea I consider is supremely valuable counsel, since one gains far more from setbacks than you learn from triumph. Success, you never really comprehends precisely why it happened. With failure, you learn abundant.