Miriam Margolyes’ debilitating spinal condition – from fears she ‘doesn’t have long to live’ to worries she can’t afford carers

Actor Miriam Margoyles has been open about her debilitating spinal condition, worrying that her ongoing health problems will kill her.

Miriam’s career boasts six decades of work. Some of her most iconic roles include Harry Potter, Little Shop of Horrors, Romeo + Juliet, to name a few.

Decades on, the 83-year-old star still enjoys performing and acting. However, she doesn’t want her condition and mobility struggles to get in the way of her job.

Miriam Margolyes walking with crutches
Miriam worries her condition will stop her enjoying her job (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Miriam Margolyes health: ‘I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years’

During an interview with The Telegraph last month, the award-winning actor revealed that her days might be numbered.

“When you know that you haven’t got long to live – and I’m probably going to die within the next five or six years, if not before, I’m loath to leave behind performing. It’s such a joy,” she said.

Miriam admitted the physical constraints of old age are “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 added.

Miriam Margolyes smiling
Miriam doesn’t think she’ll be able to afford carers (Credit: Splashnews.com)

‘I’m worried that I won’t have enough money for carers’

Initially, Miriam was embarrassed to show fans that she had mobility issues.

She told Radio Times: “When I started kind of failing physically, I remember saying to directors and producers, please don’t show me clambering out of a car or climbing upstairs on my hands and knees.”

However, she overcame the embarrassment when meeting others who needed mobility scooters.

She said: “But, subsequently, I’ve met loads of people who have said I gave them the courage to do things that they never thought they could.”

Miriam has also expressed her concerns about not being able to afford carers in the future.

“I’m worried that I won’t have enough money for carers when I finally get paralysed, or whatever it is that’s going to happen to me,” she said.

Miriam’s debilitating spinal condition isn’t the only health issue she has had to face recently. Last year, she underwent heart surgery to replace her aortic valve.