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Through a thoughtful interview, the acclaimed performer delves on subjects as varied as her newest character as a regal sea creature to the invaluable wisdom learned through onstage mishaps and fan interactions.

If You Could Be a Fish for a Day

Your latest character portrays Queen of the Cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; supposing you had the opportunity to be a fish for a day, which one would it be and why?

Straight away, the blue groper found at Clovelly beach – because it’s a local landmark, and individuals visit to see it. It strikes me it’s cool that a resident aquatic creature that folks genuinely go and see and discuss – it holds a unique status.

A Film Staple to Revisit

What film do you always return to, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 comedy To Be Or Not To Be. I adore this film. During my childhood, it used to come on the ABC every now and again, and once I videotaped it. I just thought it was hilarious. It’s Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Recently they were playing it at the Ritz and it turned out that it was also the favourite film of a friend of mine, and so we went and just laughed repeatedly. It is a masterful work of humor and all the actors in it are fantastic. The director Mel Brooks remade it in the 1980s – which was not as effective. But Lubitsch's version is an exceptional farce, to be watched often.

A Priceless Lesson Learned From a Co-Star

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 – now my spouse, but back then 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 was unaware what I’d done but I suddenly realised things were off. I remember glancing toward him, and he completely saved me, and then the scene took off again and went really, really well. But I think the insight gained in that moment was, firstly, consistently rely on the individuals you’re working with. When you lose where you are, by looking and toward the people you’re with, you can rediscover where you’re meant to be somehow. It’s such communal thing, acting on stage. And next, just to have a sense of fun regarding it. Occasionally when a mistake occurs, things can ignite in a really great way provided you are fully engaged in that moment. It may become a gift when things go absolutely awry.

Memorable Interactions with Admirers

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

There isn't a single particular interaction but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I hear a lot of stories about what Eowyn impacted them when they were younger … things that had happened in their lives and the extent to which that character signified for them and was a form of support to them during those periods.

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

The most specific inquiry concerns always about that infamous meal her character prepares for Aragorn. “Did that stew taste really that bad?” It’s become a running gag, the entire episode about the stew, and all fans wish to know the contents of the pot, and how was it made, and in your opinion her skills improved now, or do you think she really is a bad cook? Fans seem, in my view, fascinated by the humour of that situation. And I provide great detail describing the ingredients that made up the concoction – because I remember what they did; such as put bits of colored thread to make it look like blood vessels in the meat. The crew employed extreme measures to make it look as unappetizing as possible.

An Awkward Star Encounter

What’s been your most cringeworthy celebrity encounter?

I attended a fitness session and there was a woman on a mat exercising, and the instructor remarked, “Oh, Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I made a lighthearted remark inquiring, “oh, are you a journalist?” Since Miranda is an uncommon moniker and often when I meet another Miranda, they’re a journalist. I wasn’t really identified her. And when she got up, it was Miranda Richardson. Then I was at a loss for words. I was obliged to complete my class, and I felt intense awkwardness. I wanted to say: “Goodness, I am aware of your work!” I think her talent is immense and I was just too starstruck to say anything.

The Source of a Name

It’s been 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 clarify this once and for all?

Yes – I was named after the Sydney suburb. Mum heard on the radio that they were opening a shopping centre at that location, and the name seemed a nice name.

Chaos on Location

What was the 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 I’ve ever worked on, and yet the film turned out brilliantly. But the local crew operated in a distinct manner. Their concept of time there is unique. Typically, you normally have a schedule and must arrive on set punctually. But this was rather flexible – one would appear at one's convenience. It was a really different way of working for me. All aspects were being assembled at the final moment, and sometimes the plan was unclear the next location the next day how we were going to do it. And then I would be in during a scene and be like, “What caused that sound that just interrupted the scene? Oh, it’s a crew member popping open some champagne during filming, to start a party.” It turned out excellent, but goodness, it’s a really different style of film-making.

A Secret Skill

What are you secretly good at?

I’ve always been an aptitude for numbers. I retain numbers more readily than I memorise words often, I simply have a numerically-oriented mind. So I believe if I hadn’t pursued acting, I probably would have worked in involving numbers, like math or accounting.

The Finest Guidance Given

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

When I was in high school, a speaker came to speak as we were graduating and stated, “have no fear to fail” … an idea I consider is the best piece of advice, since one gains so much more from failure than is gained from triumph. Success, one rarely comprehends exactly how it happened. Failure, the lessons are so much more.