After reading English at Newham College, Cambridge, Miriam Margolyes joined the BBC Radio Drama Repertory Company and has since worked in theatre, TV and films, giving memorable performances as a character actress, including Professor Sprout of Harry Potter fame. A Dickens lover, she is active politically on the Left, and for health, environment and animal charities. She was awarded the OBE in 2001 for services to Drama and has received awards from BAFTA and the LA Critics Circle.