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During a revealing conversation, the acclaimed performer reflects 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 Sea Creature for a Day

The most recent role is the monarch 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, that particular fish residing near a specific shoreline – because it’s like an institution, and people go there to see it. I just think it’s cool that a resident aquatic creature that folks genuinely seek out and talk about – it holds a unique status.

A Film Staple to Return To

Which movie do you always return to, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 comedy To Be Or Not To Be. I love this picture. During my growing up, it would air on the ABC every now and again, and once I videotaped it. I found it was so funny. It stars the legendary Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Recently they were showing it at a cinema and I discovered that it was the preferred movie of an acquaintance, and so we went and just laughed and laughed. It is a masterful work of humor and all the actors in it are superb. Mel Brooks remade it in the 1980s – that wasn’t as effective. But Lubitsch's version is an exceptional farce, to be watched regularly.

A Priceless Insight Gained Through a Co-Star

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

I was doing A Doll’s House alongside Peter O’Brien – my husband now, but at the time we were not together. We portrayed characters as scene partners and during the premiere I tripped up – I skipped forward a few lines in the script. I didn’t know what I’d done but I abruptly sensed things were off. I recall glancing toward him, and he expertly rescued the moment, and then the scene regained momentum and proceeded splendidly. But I think what I learned in that moment was, first, always trust the individuals in your scene. When you lose your place, by looking and toward the people sharing the stage with, you will find where you’re meant to be in some way. It is a profoundly collaborative endeavor, acting on stage. And next, just to have a lighthearted attitude about it. Sometimes when something goes wrong, things can ignite in a wonderfully positive direction if you’re really present then. It may become an unexpected boon when things go completely the wrong way.

Memorable Exchanges with Fans

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

It’s not just one specific meeting but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I hear a lot of stories about how that character meant to them when they were younger … things that had happened in their lives and the extent to which Eowyn meant to them and was a form of support to them in those times.

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

The most specific inquiry concerns always about that infamous meal that Eowyn serves Aragorn. “Did that stew taste really that bad?” It’s become a running gag, the whole thing about the stew, and all fans wish to know what was in the pot, and its preparation method, and do you think she’s a better cook now, or do you think she really is a poor chef? People are, in my view, obsessed with the humour of that scene. And I go into lengthy descriptions listing the components that made up the concoction – because I remember the efforts made; like they even 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 Celebrity Meeting

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

I was at a fitness session and there was a woman on a mat exercising, and the instructor remarked, “Oh, Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark inquiring, “oh, are you a journalist?” Since Miranda is an unusual name and most of the time when I meet another Miranda, they work in media. I hadn't properly identified her. And as she rose, it was the actress Miranda Richardson. Then I didn’t know what to say. I was obliged to stay and do my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wanted to say: “Goodness, I am aware of your work!” I consider her talent is immense and I was just too starstruck to utter a syllable.

The Source of a Moniker

Articles have repeatedly stated that you were given your name from Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet I’ve read stating otherwise – can you settle the matter once and for all?

Indeed, I was christened for a district in Sydney. Mum learned via broadcast that they were opening a mall at Miranda, and the name sounded like a pleasant choice.

Pandemonium on Location

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

While working in Brazil for the film Reaching for the Moon that was the most chaotic set I’ve ever worked on, and yet the film turned out brilliantly. But the local crew operated in such a different way. Their concept of time there is unique. In Australia, you receive a schedule and must arrive on set punctually. But this was sort of open ended – you come on set whenever you happen to be ready. It was a really different approach for me. All aspects were being assembled 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 wondering, “What was that noise that just interrupted the scene? Oh, it’s a crew member opening a bottle on set, to start a party.” It turned out great, but wow, it’s a distinct style of film-making.

A Hidden Skill

What are you secretly good at?

I naturally possess good with numbers. I retain numbers more readily than I memorise words often, I’ve just got that kind of a brain. So I believe if I hadn’t pursued acting, I likely might have worked in involving numbers, like math or finance.

The Best Piece of Advice Ever Received

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

During my time in high school, a speaker addressed us as we were graduating and stated, “have no fear to fail” … an idea I consider is the best piece of advice, since one gains far more from setbacks than is gained from triumph. Success, you never really comprehends exactly how it happened. With failure, you learn so much more.