Miriam Margolyes says she “never had any shame about being gay” as she makes her British Vogue cover debut aged 82.
The award-winning actress, known for her foul mouth and lovable eccentricity, said gay people are “not conventional” and she “wouldn’t want to be straight for anything”.
Margolyes is known for a wide range of work in the TV and film industry, including roles in Blackadder, Babe and the Harry Potter franchise.
She features along with other “LGBTQ+ pioneers”, including Ncuti Gatwa and Emma D’Arcy, in the July edition of British Vogue.
Pride and joy abound in the July 2023 issue of #BritishVogue, with #TimWalker capturing a shimmering army of LGBTQ+ pioneers. First up, actor and raconteur #MiriamMargolyes, who makes her Vogue cover debut at 82: https://t.co/KDzmWUrDFI pic.twitter.com/8BkeL13H9a
— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) June 13, 2023
In an accompanying interview, she discusses her sexuality and says she has always tried to “make people feel good about themselves”.
“It’s a strong position if you’re not afraid to be who you are,” she said.
“We’re all so insecure. People are frightened such a lot of the time and what I’ve always tried to do… [is] make people feel good about themselves.”
Margolyes came out as a lesbian in 1966, a time when homosexuality was illegal, and lived through the HIV crisis of the 1980s – during which she lost 34 friends.
“I’m still a bit of a child,” says #MiriamMargolyes. “I can’t resist naughtiness.” In #BritishVogue’s July 2023 issue, the actor is at her very best – cheeky, wonderfully candid, and an absolute breath of fresh air. https://t.co/BF9nqdsNdL pic.twitter.com/sLPtbGBgnj
— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) June 13, 2023
She has been with her partner – academic Heather Sutherland – for 54 years.
“I never had any shame about being gay or anything really,” she told British Vogue.
“I knew it wasn’t criminal because it was me. I couldn’t be criminal.”
She added: “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. And I like being gay. I wouldn’t want to be straight for anything.”
The full interview with Miriam Margolyes can be read online on British Vogue’s website.
