10 Questions: Miriam Margolyes, actor, 72

MIRIAM Margolyes on her love of acting, reading, Australia and Dame Edna.

TV: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Essie Davis. Miriam Margolyes. 2012.

Television, stage, radio or films - what's your preference?

I love it all. I started in radio and that continues to be a great love. TV and films pay more money and take me across the world. I'm still learning film technique - I never watch myself. But the golden thread which binds an audience to the stage is forever intoxicating and that's where I belong.

Would you rather be remembered for your show Dickens' Women or roles such as Queen Victoria in Blackadder?

I insist on being remembered for both. If actors are to be remembered for their work rather than for their sensational lives, let the whole corpus of their work be included. I am very proud of my work on Dickens and for being a part of Blackadder. It happened 25 years ago and people still remember the lines.

How important have words been in your life?

From my earliest days reading was my passion and at Cambridge, where I studied English literature, my intellectual life deepened and grew. The most important advice to give a budding actress - or anyone - is to keep reading. Words are the currency of thought. Without them and an understanding of their value, we are doomed.

Why did you become an Australian citizen?

My partner of 45 years is Australian and a big part of her character is that marvellous quality of irony which Aussies possess. I relish their humour and sense of fairness. I love the beauty of the sky, the land, the many strands of immigrants who give the country such variety. I am still learning about the First Peoples and I need to travel in the heart of the country and explore their world too.

With houses in Australia, Italy and the UK, where do you feel most at home?

Home is wherever I hang my hat. Every place has its own charms and as I have no children, I've been able to spend my money on houses. I love travelling and I hope I'm not done yet, but I shan't buy another house. I've got enough.

You have spoken publicly about being gay. Was it difficult at first?

Initially I was quite embarrassed but very quickly I reverted to the outspoken character I am and joined the Gay Yids and lectured in synagogues about it. I wore badges

and kissed in public. I wouldn't do that now, mind you.

Do you think "coming out" is for everyone?

It depends on the people you come out to. I told my parents I was a lesbian and it nearly killed my mother. I regret that bitterly.

You have constantly challenged yourself and social norms. What are you afraid of?

Illness and death. I don't have a faith to comfort me there. I hope I hang on to my marbles though and use the time left to me properly and don't die feeling I should have done more, read more, thought harder.

Did you ever consider a comedy career?

I don't like "comedy", I like "life", which has everything in it. And I could never be as good (at comedy) as Barry Humphries. I've just seen his show in London and I will never see anything as good for the rest of my life. I might go straight for Dame Edna!

You're a regular on Australian TV as Aunt Prudence in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. What attracted you to the role?

I like the crispness of her character. It's always fun to play grumpy old women and the scriptwriters have given me some of the best one-liners on television.

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, ABC1, Sunday Dec 22, 7.30pm