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In a candid interview, the acclaimed performer delves on subjects as varied as her newest character as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the invaluable wisdom learned through theatrical mistakes and meeting admirers.

If You Could Be a Sea Creature 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 residing near Clovelly beach – since it is like an institution, and people go there specifically to spot it. I just think as remarkable that there’s a local fish that folks genuinely seek out and talk about – it’s a special fish.

A Cinematic Favorite to Return To

What film do you always return to, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 comedy To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. When I was growing up, it would air on the ABC every now and again, and one time I videotaped it. I just thought it was so funny. It’s the legendary Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Recently they were playing it at a cinema and it turned out that it was the preferred movie of an acquaintance, and so we went and just laughed repeatedly. It’s such masterful work of comedy and the entire cast in it are superb. The director Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – which was not as effective. But the original film is a brilliant comedy, worth viewing regularly.

The Best Lesson Gained Through a Co-Star

What is the most valuable 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 at the time we were not together. We were playing opposite each other and during the premiere I tripped up – I jumped ahead some dialogue in the script. I didn’t know of my error but I suddenly realised things were off. I recall looking at him, and he completely saved me, and then the scene regained momentum and proceeded splendidly. However, I believe what I learned in that moment was, firstly, always trust the individuals you’re working with. When you lose where you are, 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, performing live. And next, to maintain a lighthearted attitude about it. Occasionally when something goes wrong, things actually spark off in a really great way if you’re really present in that moment. It may become a gift when things go absolutely awry.

Heartening Exchanges with Admirers

Can you describe your most memorable encounter with a fan?

There isn't just one particular interaction but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I am told numerous stories about how that character meant to them when they were growing up … things that had happened in their lives and the extent to which Eowyn meant to them and was a form of support to them during those periods.

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

The most specific question is always about the stew her character prepares for Aragorn. “Did that stew taste as terrible as it looked?” It’s become a running gag, the whole thing about the stew, and everyone wants to know the contents of the stew, and its preparation method, and in your opinion her skills improved now, or do you believe she really is a bad cook? People are, in my view, fascinated by the comedy of that situation. And I provide great detail listing the components that made up the stew – because I remember what they did; such as adding pieces of red cotton to make it look like blood vessels in the meat. The crew employed extreme measures to render it as bad as possible.

A Cringeworthy Star Meeting

What’s been your most cringeworthy celebrity encounter?

I was at a pilates class and another participant lying down exercising, and the instructor said to me, “Hello Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark about, “oh, are you a journalist?” Since Miranda is an uncommon moniker and often when I meet another Miranda, they work in media. I wasn’t really identified her. And as she rose, it was Miranda Richardson. At that point, I didn’t know words. I still had to complete my class, and I felt so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Goodness, I do know your work!” I think she’s so fabulous and I was simply too awestruck to say anything.

The Source of a Moniker

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 you saying otherwise – can you settle the matter once and for all?

Yes – I was christened for a district in Sydney. My mother heard on the radio that they were opening a mall at that location, and the name seemed a pleasant choice.

Pandemonium on Location

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

When I was working in Brazil for the film Reaching for the Moon that was the most chaotic set I’ve ever worked on, and yet the final product emerged brilliantly. But the local crew operated in a distinct manner. The sense of time there is really different. In Australia, you receive a call sheet and must arrive on set punctually. But this was rather open ended – one would appear at one's convenience. It was a really different way of working for me. The elements were all coming together at the final moment, and sometimes the plan was unclear where they were shooting 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? Ah, it was a crew member opening a bottle on set, because he’s making a party.” The result was great, but goodness, it’s a distinct approach to film-making.

A Secret Talent

What are you secretly good at?

I’ve always been an aptitude for numbers. I retain numbers easier than I learn dialogue a lot of the time, I’ve just got a numerically-oriented mind. So I think if I hadn’t pursued acting, I probably would have worked in something to do with numbers, like mathematics or finance.

The Best Piece of Advice Ever Received

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

During my time in high school, someone addressed us when we were graduating and they said, “don’t be afraid to fail” … which I think is supremely valuable counsel, because you learn far more from failure than you learn from triumph. Success, you never really comprehends exactly how it happened. With failure, you learn abundant.