HARRY POTTER Star Miriam Margolyes Admits Professor Sprout Role "Wasn't Important...It's Not Charles Dickens"

Miriam Margolyes has become something of a beloved icon in recent years, no great surprise after memorable roles in everything from Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence to Mulan and Call the Midwife.

However, the character many of you will likely know her best for playing is the Harry Potter franchise's Professor Sprout. 

The actress only actually appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, but has since become synonymous with the Herbology professor. Surprisingly, the role isn't one that means quite as much to Margolyes.

Talking to Vogue for a new profile, she acknowledged that the two Harry Potter movies introduced her to a new generation of young people (and continue to do so) but admitted the franchise "doesn't mean as much to me as it does to them."

"For me, 'Harry Potter' wasn’t important," Margolyes continued. "I was very glad I got the part and I enjoyed being in it and meeting all the people, but it’s not Charles Dickens."

Despite that, she's grateful for the response she receives from Wizarding World fans. "People come up to me and say 'I just love you,' and want to hug me. And that is dazzling". Recalling that a British newspaper once called her "a national trinket,' the actress added, "That’s very witty and rather cutting actually. I’d like to be a national treasure, but I don’t know if I really am."

Warner Bros. is in the process of rebooting the Harry Potter franchise as a TV series for Max, and all the roles are expected to be recast. It won't be easy living up to Margolyes, though it certainly doesn't sound like she has any issues with passing the baton.

We'd strongly recommend reading the full profile as it's full of fun stories and witty insights. As for Harry Potter, you'll want to keep checking back here for updates on the franchise's future as we have them.