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In a candid conversation, the acclaimed performer delves on topics ranging from her latest role as a regal sea creature to the profound lessons gleaned from onstage mishaps and meeting admirers.

If You Could Be a Sea Creature for a Day

The most recent character portrays 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?

Without hesitation, the blue groper residing near Clovelly beach – since it is a local landmark, and individuals visit to see it. It strikes me it’s cool that a resident aquatic creature 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?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 comedy To Be Or Not To Be. I adore this picture. During my childhood, it used to come on the ABC every now and again, and once I videotaped it. I found it was hilarious. It stars Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Not long ago they were playing it at the Ritz and I discovered that it was the preferred movie of an acquaintance, and so we went and simply chuckled repeatedly. It’s such great piece of comedy and all the actors in it are superb. Mel Brooks remade it in the 1980s – which was not successful. But Lubitsch's version is a brilliant comedy, to be watched regularly.

A Priceless Insight Learned From a Fellow Actor

What is the most valuable lesson you learned 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 together. We portrayed characters as scene partners and during the premiere I tripped up – I jumped ahead a few lines in the script. I didn’t know of my error but I suddenly realised something wasn’t right. I remember glancing toward him, and he expertly rescued the moment, and then the scene regained momentum and proceeded splendidly. But I think what I learned then was, firstly, always trust the people in your scene. When you lose where you are, by looking and toward the people sharing the stage with, you can rediscover where you’re meant to be in some way. It’s such communal thing, acting on stage. And next, just to have a lighthearted attitude about it. Occasionally when something goes wrong, things can ignite in a really great direction if you’re really present then. It can be an unexpected boon when things go completely the wrong way.

Heartening Exchanges with Admirers

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

It’s not just one specific meeting but when I meet fans of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I am told numerous stories about how that character impacted them when they were growing up … things that had happened in their lives and how much that character signified for them and was a form of support to them in those times.

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

The most detailed question is invariably regarding the stew her character prepares for Aragorn. “Was the stew as terrible as it looked?” It’s become a running gag, the entire episode about the stew, and all fans wish to know the contents of the stew, and its preparation method, and in your opinion her skills improved now, or do you think she really is a poor chef? Fans seem, in my view, obsessed with the humour of that situation. And I provide lengthy descriptions listing the components that made up the stew – as I recall the efforts made; such as 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 Celebrity Meeting

What’s been your most embarrassing run-in with a famous person?

I attended a fitness session and another participant lying down exercising, and the instructor said to me, “Oh, Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark inquiring, “might you be a journalist?” Because it’s an uncommon moniker and often when I meet another Miranda, they work in media. I wasn’t really identified her. And when she got up, it was the actress Miranda Richardson. At that point, I was at a loss for words. I still had to complete my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Goodness, I do know who you are!” I consider her talent is immense and I was simply too awestruck to say anything.

The Source of a Name

Articles have confidently claimed that you were named after Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned stating otherwise – can you clarify this once and for all?

Indeed, I was christened for the Sydney suburb. My mother heard on the radio that they were inaugurating a shopping centre at that location, and the name seemed a nice name.

Chaos on Location

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

When I was working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon I experienced the most chaotic set of my career, and yet the film emerged incredibly well. But they just work in such a different way. The sense of time there is really different. In Australia, you normally have a schedule and must arrive on set punctually. But this was rather flexible – one would appear whenever you happen to be ready. It was a really different way of working for me. The elements were being assembled at the final moment, and at times they wouldn’t know the next location or the methodology. And then I would be in during a scene and wondering, “What was that noise that just interrupted the scene? Oh, it’s a crew member opening some champagne on set, to start a party.” It turned out great, but wow, it’s a distinct approach to film-making.

A Hidden Talent

What are you secretly good at?

I naturally possess an aptitude for numbers. I memorise numbers easier than I learn dialogue often, I’ve just got a numerically-oriented mind. So I think if I hadn’t pursued acting, I likely might have worked in involving numbers, like math or finance.

The Finest Piece of Advice Ever Received

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

During my time in secondary school, someone addressed us when we were graduating and stated, “don’t be afraid to fail” … which I think is supremely valuable counsel, since one gains so much more from setbacks than you learn from success. With success, one rarely understand exactly how it happened. With failure, the lessons are so much more.