The actress Reveals Perspectives on Her Career, Fandom, and Life's Gifts.

Through a thoughtful interview, Miranda Otto delves on topics ranging from her newest character as a regal sea creature to the profound lessons learned through theatrical mistakes and fan interactions.

Given the Chance to Become a Fish for a Day

The most recent character portrays the monarch of the cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; if you could be a fish for a day, which one would you choose and why?

Without hesitation, the blue groper found at a specific shoreline – because it’s like an institution, and people go there specifically to spot it. It strikes me as remarkable that a resident aquatic creature that folks genuinely seek out and talk about – it holds a unique status.

A Film Favorite to Revisit

What film do you always return to, and why?

The 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. During my childhood, it would air on television every now and again, and one time I recorded it. I found it was hilarious. It stars Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Not long ago they were playing it at the Ritz and it turned out that it was also the favourite film of an acquaintance, and so we went and just laughed and laughed. It’s such great piece of comedy and all the actors in it are superb. The director Mel Brooks did a remake in the 1980s – that wasn’t as effective. But Lubitsch's version is an exceptional farce, worth viewing regularly.

A Priceless Lesson Learned From a Fellow Actor

What’s the best lesson you took away from someone you’ve worked with?

I was doing A Doll’s House alongside Peter O’Brien – now my spouse, but at the time we were not a couple. We were playing opposite each other and on opening night I stumbled – I skipped forward a few lines in the script. I was unaware what I’d done but I suddenly realised something wasn’t right. I recall glancing toward him, and he completely saved me, and then our performance took off again and went really, really well. However, I believe what I learned in that moment was, firstly, consistently rely on the people in your scene. If you don’t know your place, by looking and look at the people sharing the stage with, you can rediscover your correct position in some way. It’s such collaborative endeavor, performing live. And secondly, to maintain a lighthearted attitude about it. Occasionally when a mistake occurs, things can ignite in a wonderfully positive direction provided you are really present in that moment. It can be a gift when things go completely the wrong way.

Heartening Exchanges with Fans

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

It’s not a single particular interaction but when I encounter devotees of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I am told numerous stories about what Eowyn meant to them when they were growing up … events that occurred in their lives and the extent to which Eowyn signified for them and was some kind of help to them in those times.

Which questions get asked about the most by Lord of the Rings fans?

The most detailed question is always about that infamous meal that Eowyn serves Aragorn. “Did that stew taste as terrible as it looked?” It’s become such a joke, the entire episode involving that dish, and all fans wish to know what was in the pot, and how was it made, and do you think her skills improved now, or do you think she really is a bad cook? People are, in my view, fascinated by the comedy of that situation. And I go into great detail describing the ingredients that made up the concoction – as I recall the efforts made; like they even put bits of red cotton to simulate the appearance like blood vessels in the meat. They went to great detail to make it look as unappetizing as possible.

A Cringeworthy Star Encounter

What’s been your most embarrassing celebrity encounter?

I was at a pilates class and another participant lying down exercising, and the teacher remarked, “Hello Miranda, this is Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark about, “might you be a journalist?” Since Miranda is an unusual name and most of the time when someone’s a Miranda, they work in media. I hadn't properly identified her. And as she rose, it was Miranda Richardson. Then I was at a loss for what to say. I was obliged to complete my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wished to explain: “Goodness, I am aware of who you are!” I consider her talent is immense and I was just too starstruck to utter a syllable.

The Origin of a Name

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

Yes – I was named after a district in Sydney. Mum learned via broadcast that they were inaugurating a shopping centre at that location, and the name sounded like a pleasant choice.

Pandemonium on Set

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

While working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon that was the most chaotic set I’ve ever worked on, and yet the final product emerged incredibly well. But they just work in a distinct manner. The sense of time there is unique. In Australia, you receive a call sheet and must arrive on set by a certain time. But this was sort of open ended – you come on set whenever you happen to be ready. It was a novel way of working for me. All aspects were all coming together at the final moment, and at times they wouldn’t know the next location or the methodology. And then you’d be in during a scene and wondering, “What caused that sound that just interrupted the scene? Ah, it was a crew member opening some champagne during filming, to start a party.” It turned out excellent, but goodness, it’s a distinct style of film-making.

A Secret Skill

Do you have a secretly good at?

I’ve always been an aptitude for numbers. I retain numbers easier than I memorise words a lot of the time, I’ve just got that kind of a brain. So I think had I not pursued acting, I likely might have worked in involving numbers, like mathematics or finance.

The Best Piece of Advice Ever Received

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

When I was in secondary school, someone addressed us when we were graduating and they said, “have no fear to fail” … an idea I consider is the best piece of advice, since one gains so much more from setbacks than you learn from triumph. Success, you never really comprehends exactly how it happened. Failure, the lessons are abundant.