Miriam Margolyes labels Steve Martin ‘horrid’ in new memoir, dishes on Hollywood and Marvel snub

The revelations shed light on her six-decade career and encounters with some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

Renowned British actress Miriam Margolyes is not holding back in her latest memoir, Oh Miriam!, where she reveals her unfiltered opinions about some of the entertainment industry’s most iconic figures. From labeling actor Steve Martin as “horrid” to turning down a high-profile Marvel role, Margolyes' memoir provides an insider's perspective on showbiz over the past six decades.

In an interview with news.com.au, Margolyes shared details about her time working with Martin on the 1986 cult classic Little Shop of Horrors. Martin played a sadistic dentist, while Margolyes portrayed his receptionist. A particularly demanding scene required Martin to simulate punching Margolyes, which she described as a "vile experience."

“Steve was and is brilliant; this is not about his talent, just his kindness at that time,” Margolyes clarified. However, she noted that Martin’s perfectionism made him “incredibly unfriendly” on set. “I didn’t enjoy it and had a splitting headache by the end of the day,” she admitted. Despite the discomfort, Margolyes acknowledged Martin’s comedic genius after seeing the final cut.

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Taking Aim at Mick Jagger

Margolyes also criticized Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, calling him a “tiresome old git.” The actress encountered Jagger while performing The Vagina Monologues alongside Sophie Dahl, who was dating the rocker at the time. She noted his lack of engagement with others, saying, “Important people should never think they’re important.”

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Why Margolyes Turned Down Marvel

Margolyes revealed she recently declined a lucrative offer to star in a Marvel film centered around witches. After her iconic portrayal of Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter series, Margolyes said she wasn’t eager to revisit a similar role. “I thought, ‘Oh god, not witches again,’” she explained. Furthermore, the prospect of filming in Georgia for four months didn’t appeal to her. When Marvel offered £500,000 (A$960,000) instead of her £1 million (A$1.9 million) asking price, Margolyes turned it down, joking, “It’s really a story about my own greed.”

Margolyes’ candid take on Hollywood and her career choices is sure to resonate with fans and spark conversation in the entertainment world. Oh Miriam! – Stories from an Extraordinary Life is available in bookstores from September 12.