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Through a thoughtful discussion, Miranda Otto opens up on topics ranging from her newest character as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the invaluable wisdom gleaned from onstage mishaps and meeting admirers.

Given the Chance to Become a Sea Creature for a Day

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

Straight away, that particular fish residing near Clovelly beach – since it is like an institution, and people go there to see it. It strikes me as remarkable that there’s a local fish that people actually seek out and talk about – it holds a unique status.

A Film Favorite to Return To

What film do you repeatedly watch, and why?

Ernst Lubitsch's 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I love this film. During my childhood, it used to come on television every now and again, and one time I recorded it. I just thought it was so funny. It’s the legendary Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Recently they were playing it at the Ritz and it turned out that it was the preferred movie of a friend of mine, and so we attended and simply chuckled and laughed. It’s such 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 an exceptional farce, to be watched often.

The Best Insight Learned From a Fellow Actor

What is the most valuable lesson you took away from someone you’ve worked with?

I was doing A Doll’s House with Pete – my husband now, but back then we were not a couple. 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 of my error but I abruptly sensed things were off. I remember glancing toward him, and he completely saved me, and then our performance took off again and proceeded splendidly. But I think what I learned then was, first, always trust the people in your scene. When you lose where you are, if you turn around and look at the actors sharing the stage with, you will find where you’re meant to be in some way. It is a profoundly communal thing, performing live. And secondly, to maintain a lighthearted attitude regarding it. Sometimes when a mistake occurs, things can ignite in a really great way if you’re fully engaged then. It can be a gift when things go completely the wrong way.

Heartening Interactions with Fans

Can you describe your most memorable interaction with a fan?

There isn't a single particular interaction but when I meet fans of Lord of the Rings, particularly women, I am told numerous accounts about how that character impacted them when they were growing up … events that occurred in their lives and how much that character meant to them and was a form of support to them during those periods.

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

The most specific 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 its preparation method, and in your opinion she’s a better cook now, or do you believe she really is a bad cook? People are, in my view, fascinated by the comedy of that situation. And I go into lengthy descriptions describing the components that constituted the concoction – because I remember what they did; such as adding pieces of colored thread to simulate the appearance like blood vessels in the meat. They went to extreme measures to render it as bad as they could.

An Awkward Celebrity Encounter

What’s been your most cringeworthy celebrity encounter?

I attended a fitness session and another participant lying down doing pilates, and the instructor said to me, “Hello Miranda, meet Miranda.” And I attempted some joke inquiring, “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 when she got up, it was Miranda Richardson. At that point, I was at a loss for words. I was obliged to stay and do my class, and I felt so embarrassed. I wished to explain: “Goodness, I am aware of your work!” I think she’s so fabulous and I was simply too awestruck to utter a syllable.

The Source of a Name

Articles have repeatedly stated that you were given your name from Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned you saying otherwise – can you settle the matter definitively?

Indeed, I was christened for the Sydney suburb. Mum heard on the radio that they were inaugurating a mall at that location, and the name seemed a pleasant choice.

Pandemonium on Location

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

When I was working in Brazil for the film Reaching for the Moon I experienced the least organized set of my career, and yet the final product emerged incredibly well. But they just work in a distinct manner. Their concept of time there is really different. In Australia, you normally have a call sheet and you have to be on set by a certain time. But this was sort of open ended – one would appear whenever you happen to be ready. It was a novel way of working for me. The elements were being assembled at the final moment, and sometimes they wouldn’t know the next location the next day the methodology. And then I would 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 on set, to start a party.” The result was excellent, but wow, it’s a distinct approach to film-making.

A Hidden Talent

What are you secretly good at?

I naturally possess good with numbers. I memorise numbers more readily than I learn dialogue a lot of the time, I’ve just got a numerically-oriented mind. So I think had I not pursued acting, I likely might have entered a field something to do with numbers, like mathematics or accounting.

The Finest Piece of Advice Ever Received

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

During my time in high school, a speaker addressed us when we were graduating and they said, “have no fear to fail” … an idea I consider is supremely valuable counsel, since one gains far more from failure than is gained from success. With success, you never really comprehends exactly how it happened. With failure, you learn so much more.