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During a revealing discussion, the acclaimed performer opens up on topics ranging from her newest character as a regal sea creature to the invaluable wisdom learned through onstage mishaps and fan interactions.

Given the Chance to Become a Fish for a Day

Your latest role is the monarch 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, the blue groper residing near a specific shoreline – because it’s like an institution, and individuals visit specifically to spot it. I just think it’s cool that a resident aquatic creature that folks genuinely go and see and talk about – it’s a special fish.

A Film Favorite to Return To

What film do you repeatedly watch, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. When I was childhood, it used to come on the ABC occasionally, and once I videotaped it. I just thought it was hilarious. It’s Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Not long ago they were playing it at the Ritz and I discovered that it was the preferred movie of a friend of mine, and so we went and just laughed repeatedly. It’s such masterful work of humor and all the actors in it are fantastic. The director Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – which was not as effective. But Lubitsch's version is a brilliant comedy, to be watched often.

A Priceless Insight Learned From a Co-Star

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from someone you’ve worked with?

I was doing A Doll’s House with Pete – now my spouse, but at the time we were not together. We were playing as scene partners and on opening night I tripped up – I jumped ahead some dialogue in the script. I didn’t know what I’d done but I abruptly sensed things were off. I remember looking at him, and he completely saved me, and then our performance regained momentum and proceeded splendidly. But I think what I learned then was, firstly, consistently rely on the individuals in your scene. When you lose your place, by looking and look at the actors you’re with, you will find your correct position somehow. It’s such collaborative endeavor, performing live. And next, to maintain a sense of fun about it. Occasionally when something goes wrong, things can ignite in a really great way provided you are really present then. It can be a gift when things go completely the wrong way.

Memorable Exchanges with Fans

Can you describe your most memorable interaction with a fan?

It’s not a single specific meeting but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I hear a lot of accounts about how that character meant to them when they were growing up … things that had happened in their lives and how much Eowyn signified for them and was some kind of help to them in those times.

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

The most detailed inquiry concerns invariably regarding that infamous meal that Eowyn serves Aragorn. “Did that stew taste really that bad?” It’s become such a joke, the whole thing about the stew, and all fans wish to know the contents of the pot, and how was it made, and do you think her skills improved now, or do you believe she really is a bad cook? People are, I think, obsessed with the humour of that situation. And I provide lengthy descriptions listing the ingredients that made up the stew – because I remember the efforts made; such as adding pieces of red cotton to make it look like bits of veins in the meat. The crew employed extreme measures to render it as unappetizing as possible.

A Cringeworthy Star Encounter

What was your most embarrassing run-in with a famous person?

I was at a fitness session and another participant lying down doing pilates, and the teacher said to me, “Hello Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I attempted some joke inquiring, “oh, are you a journalist?” Because it’s an uncommon moniker and often when I meet another Miranda, they’re a journalist. I wasn’t really seeing who it was. And as she rose, it was the actress Miranda Richardson. Then I was at a loss for what to say. I was obliged to stay and do my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wished to explain: “Goodness, I am aware of your work!” I consider her talent is immense and I was just too starstruck to utter a syllable.

The Origin of a Name

It’s been confidently claimed that you were given your name from Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned you saying otherwise – can you settle the matter once and for all?

Yes – I was named after a district in Sydney. My mother learned via broadcast that they were opening a mall at Miranda, and she thought seemed a pleasant choice.

Pandemonium on Location

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

While working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon I experienced the most chaotic set of my career, and yet the film turned out incredibly well. But they just work in a distinct manner. The sense of time there is unique. Typically, you receive a schedule and you have to be on set punctually. But this was rather flexible – you come on set at one's convenience. It was a really different approach for me. All aspects were being assembled at the very last minute, and at times the plan was unclear the next location the next day how we were going to do it. And then you’d be in during a scene and wondering, “What caused that sound that just interrupted the scene? Oh, it’s a crew member opening a bottle on set, to start a party.” It turned out excellent, but wow, it’s a distinct style of film-making.

A Secret Skill

What are you secretly good at?

I naturally possess an aptitude for numbers. I retain numbers more readily than I memorise words often, I simply have that kind of a brain. So I believe if I hadn’t ended up in acting, I probably would have entered a field something to do with numbers, like mathematics or accounting.

The Finest Guidance Given

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

When I was in secondary school, someone came to speak as we were graduating and stated, “don’t be afraid to fail” … an idea I consider is the best piece of advice, because you learn so much more from setbacks than is gained from triumph. Success, you never really understand exactly how it happened. Failure, you learn abundant.