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Through a thoughtful discussion, the acclaimed performer reflects on topics ranging from her latest role as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the profound lessons gleaned from theatrical mistakes and fan interactions.

If You Could Be a Sea Creature for a Day

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

Straight away, that particular fish found at Clovelly beach – since it is like an institution, and people go there to see it. I just think as remarkable that there’s a local fish that people actually seek out and talk about – it holds a unique status.

A Cinematic Favorite to Revisit

What film do you always return to, and why?

The 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I adore this picture. When I was growing up, it used to come on television every now and again, and one time I recorded it. I just thought it was so funny. It stars Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Recently they were playing it at a cinema and it turned out that it was also the favourite film of an acquaintance, and so we attended and just laughed and laughed. It’s such masterful work of humor 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 an exceptional farce, to be watched often.

The Best Lesson Learned From a Fellow Actor

What’s the best lesson you took away from someone you’ve worked with?

Years ago I performed in A Doll’s House with Pete – now my spouse, but back then we were not together. We portrayed characters as scene partners and on opening night I stumbled – I skipped forward a few lines in the script. I was unaware of my error but I suddenly realised things were off. I recall looking at him, and he completely saved me, and then our performance regained momentum and went really, really well. However, I believe the insight gained in that moment was, first, consistently rely on the individuals in your scene. If you don’t know your place, if you turn around and look at the actors sharing the stage with, you will find your correct position in some way. It is a profoundly collaborative endeavor, acting on stage. And secondly, to maintain a lighthearted attitude about it. Occasionally when a mistake occurs, things can ignite in a really great direction if you’re really present then. It may become an unexpected boon when things go absolutely awry.

Memorable Interactions with Admirers

Can you describe your most touching interaction with a fan?

There isn't just one specific meeting but when I meet fans of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I hear a lot of accounts about what Eowyn meant to them when they were younger … things that had happened in their lives and how much that character signified for them and was a form of support to them during those periods.

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

The most detailed question is always about that infamous meal her character prepares for Aragorn. “Was the stew as terrible as it looked?” It has evolved into a running gag, the whole thing involving that dish, and everyone wants to know the contents of the stew, and how was it made, and in your opinion she’s a better cook now, or do you think she really is a poor chef? People are, in my view, fascinated by the humour of that situation. And I go into great detail describing the ingredients that constituted the concoction – as I recall what they did; like they even adding pieces of colored thread to simulate the appearance like blood vessels in the meat. The crew employed great detail to make it look as bad as they could.

An Awkward 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 doing pilates, and the teacher said to me, “Hello Miranda, meet Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark inquiring, “oh, are you a journalist?” Since Miranda is an unusual name and often when someone’s a Miranda, they’re a journalist. I hadn't properly identified her. And as she rose, it was the actress Miranda Richardson. Then I was at a loss for what to say. I still had to stay and do my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wished to explain: “Goodness, I do know your work!” I consider she’s so fabulous and I was simply too awestruck to say anything.

The Origin of a Name

Articles have confidently claimed that you were given your name from Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet I’ve read stating otherwise – can you clarify this definitively?

Indeed, I was christened for 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?

While working in Brazil for the film Reaching for the Moon I experienced the most chaotic set I’ve ever worked on, and yet the final product emerged incredibly well. But they just work in such a different way. The sense of time there is really different. Typically, you normally have a schedule and must arrive on set punctually. But this was sort of flexible – you come on set at one's convenience. It was a novel way of working for me. All aspects were all coming together at the final moment, and at times they wouldn’t know the next location or the methodology. And then I would be in the middle of a scene and wondering, “What caused that sound that disturbed the scene? Oh, it’s the producer opening some champagne on set, to start a party.” The result was excellent, but goodness, it’s a really different style of film-making.

A Hidden Skill

Do you have a secretly good at?

I’ve always been good with numbers. I retain numbers easier than I learn dialogue often, I simply have that kind of a brain. So I believe had I not pursued acting, I likely might have worked in something to do with numbers, like math or finance.

The Best Guidance Ever Received

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

When I was in high school, a speaker addressed us as we were graduating and stated, “have no fear to fail” … an idea I consider is the best piece of advice, because you learn far more from setbacks than you learn from success. Success, you never really comprehends precisely why it happened. Failure, you learn so much more.