Miranda Otto Reveals Perspectives on Acting, Devoted Fans, and Life's Gifts.

Through a thoughtful conversation, the acclaimed performer reflects on subjects as varied as her latest role as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the profound lessons gleaned from theatrical mistakes and fan interactions.

Given the Chance to Become a Sea Creature for a Day

Your latest role is Queen of the Cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; if you could 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 a local landmark, and individuals visit specifically to spot 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

What film do you always return to, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 comedy To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. During my growing up, it used to come on the ABC every now and again, and once I videotaped it. I just thought it was hilarious. It’s Carole Lombard and Jack Benny. Recently they were playing it at the Ritz and I discovered that it was the preferred movie of an acquaintance, and so we went and simply chuckled and laughed. It is a great piece of humor and all the actors in it are superb. Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – which was not successful. But the original film is a brilliant comedy, to be watched often.

A Priceless Lesson Learned From a Co-Star

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from someone a colleague?

I was doing A Doll’s House with Pete – my husband now, but back then we were not together. We were playing opposite each other and on opening night I tripped up – I jumped ahead a few lines in the script. I didn’t know what I’d done but I abruptly sensed something wasn’t right. I recall looking at him, and he completely saved me, and then our performance regained momentum and proceeded splendidly. However, I believe the insight gained in that moment was, firstly, always trust the people in your scene. When you lose your place, if you turn around and look at the people sharing the stage with, you can rediscover your correct position in some way. It’s such communal thing, acting on stage. And next, just to have a sense of fun regarding it. Sometimes when something goes wrong, things actually spark off in a really great way provided you are really present in that moment. It may become a gift when things go absolutely awry.

Heartening Interactions with Fans

Can you describe your most memorable encounter with a fan?

There isn't a single specific meeting but when I meet fans of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I am told numerous accounts 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 in those times.

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

The most detailed question is invariably regarding that infamous meal her character prepares for Aragorn. “Was the stew really that bad?” It has evolved into a running gag, the whole thing involving that dish, and all fans wish to know what was in the stew, and how was it made, and in your opinion she’s a better cook now, or do you think she really is a bad cook? People are, in my view, fascinated by the humour of that situation. And I go into great detail listing the components that made up the concoction – because I remember the efforts made; like they even put bits of colored thread to simulate the appearance like bits of veins in the meat. They went to extreme measures to render it as bad as they could.

A Cringeworthy Star Meeting

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

I attended a pilates class and another participant on a mat doing pilates, and the teacher remarked, “Oh, Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark inquiring, “might you be a journalist?” Because it’s an unusual name and most of the time when someone’s a Miranda, they’re a journalist. I hadn't properly identified her. And as she rose, it was Miranda Richardson. At that point, I was at a loss for words. I still had to stay and do my class, and I experienced intense awkwardness. I wished to explain: “Oh my gosh, I do know your work!” I think her talent is immense and I was just too starstruck to say anything.

The Source of a Moniker

It’s been repeatedly stated that you were named after Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned stating otherwise – can you clarify this once and for all?

Yes – I was christened for the Sydney suburb. Mum learned via broadcast that they were opening a mall at Miranda, and she thought seemed a pleasant choice.

Pandemonium on Location

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

While working in Brazil for the film Reaching for the Moon that was the least organized set of my career, and yet the film emerged incredibly well. But the local crew operated in a distinct manner. Their concept of time there is really different. Typically, you receive a schedule and you have to be on set punctually. But this was rather open ended – you come on set at one's convenience. It was a really different approach for me. All aspects were all coming together at the very last minute, and at times the plan was unclear the next location 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 disturbed the scene? Oh, it’s the producer popping open a bottle during filming, to start a party.” It turned out excellent, but wow, it’s a distinct style of film-making.

A Hidden Skill

Do you have a secretly good at?

I’ve always been an aptitude for numbers. I retain numbers easier than I learn dialogue often, I simply have a numerically-oriented mind. So I think if I hadn’t pursued acting, I likely might have entered a field something to do with numbers, like mathematics or finance.

The Finest Guidance Given

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

During my time in high school, someone came to speak as we were graduating and stated, “don’t be afraid to fail” … which I think is supremely valuable counsel, since one gains far more from failure than you learn from triumph. With success, you never really comprehends exactly how it happened. Failure, the lessons are so much more.