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Harry Potter Star Reveals She “Doesn’t Have Long Left To Live” Amidst Growing Health Concerns
Harry Potter Star Reveals She “Doesn’t Have Long Left To Live” Amidst Growing Health Concerns
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Harry Potter Star Reveals She “Doesn’t Have Long Left To Live” Amidst Growing Health Concerns

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A Harry Potter star opened up earlier this year on how she “doesn’t have long left to live” in an honest health update.

Miriam Margolyes, best known for playing Professor Pomona Sprout in the beloved film franchise, struggles with spinal stenosis and has said she’ll “probably die within the next five or six years, if not before.”

Highlights
  • Miriam Margolyes reveals she 'doesn't have long left to live' due to spinal stenosis.
  • At 83, Margolyes is candid about her deteriorating health and uses mobility aids.
  • Despite health struggles, she cherishes the joy of performing and plans a new stage show.

Since then, the 83-year-old has been transparent about updates regarding her deteriorating health.

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    Miriam Margolyes, who starred in the Harry Potter movies, says she “doesn’t have long left to live

    Image credits: Glenn Koenig / Getty

    “I can’t walk very well, and I’m registered disabled,” she said to Closer Magazine in July. “I use all kinds of assistance. I’ve got two sticks and a walker and they’re such a bore, but I’ve just got a mobility scooter, which is a lot of fun.”

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    According to Mayo Clinic, spinal stenosis occurs “when the space inside the backbone is too small. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that travel through the spine. Spinal stenosis happens most often in the lower back and the neck.”

    Despite her condition, Margolyes is determined to never lose the “joy” of performing

    Image credits: Harry Potter

    “I’m loath to leave behind performing,” she explained. “It’s such a joy.”

    Indeed, the actress doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Margolyes is set to embark on a new stage show about English novelist Charles Dickens, which will be shown at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

    Image credits: Harry Potter

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    But the star is well aware of the physical constraints of her old age and condition, admitting that it is “limiting and depressing.”

    “I want to be able to play parts that aren’t just sitting in wheelchairs, but I’m not strong enough,” she said. 

    After fellow co-star Maggie Smith passed away last week, Margolyes shared a tribute in honor of her late friend

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    Image credits: Only Human

    Maggie Smith, best known for her iconic role as Professor McGonagall, died aged 89 on September 27.

    In response, Margolyes said she was “the best of the best” and combined “ferocity, a glint of mischief, delight and tenderness.”

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    She told BBC, “And enormous courage. I’ve been in awe of her, as all her colleagues are.”

    “I saw what a kind person she could be — as well as absolutely terrifying.”

    Margolyes wants to take advantage of the few years she has left to contribute as much as she can to the art of performance

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    Michelle Tian

    Michelle Tian

    Writer, Community member

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    Hi, there! I'm a newswriter at Bored Panda, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, as well as a philosophy minor. A few of my other hobbies include dancing, reading, cooking, or listening to a true crime podcast. My favourite thing to report on includes groundbreaking news in the field of science — particularly marine biology! I definitely didn't do well very well studying it in school, but being a journalist lets me live out those dreams in a different and exciting way!

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    Michelle Tian

    Michelle Tian

    Writer, Community member

    Hi, there! I'm a newswriter at Bored Panda, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, as well as a philosophy minor. A few of my other hobbies include dancing, reading, cooking, or listening to a true crime podcast. My favourite thing to report on includes groundbreaking news in the field of science — particularly marine biology! I definitely didn't do well very well studying it in school, but being a journalist lets me live out those dreams in a different and exciting way!

    What do you think ?
    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Earlier this year". She's since made a second series of travels around Australia, mobility scooter and all. She's an inspiration. Oh, and "best known for her role in Harry Potter"? I think not, she's been a national treasure for years before that.

    Panda McPandaface
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's 83 FFS! The shadow of death ain't a new arrival for her.

    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Earlier this year". She's since made a second series of travels around Australia, mobility scooter and all. She's an inspiration. Oh, and "best known for her role in Harry Potter"? I think not, she's been a national treasure for years before that.

    Panda McPandaface
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's 83 FFS! The shadow of death ain't a new arrival for her.

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