Miriam Margolyes, the 84-year-old actor best known for playing Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, has revealed she has earned approximately £570,000 from the personalised video message platform Cameo since joining in 2020. This remarkable sum far exceeds the £60,000 she was paid for her role in two Harry Potter movies.
Lucrative Side Hustle
Speaking on Romesh Ranganathan's podcast, Margolyes disclosed that her Cameo earnings have allowed her to "spend rather more freely" than she would have been able to otherwise. She charges £100 per video message, and the platform has become a significant source of income for the veteran actor.
Changing Fan Requests
Margolyes noted a shift in the types of requests she receives from fans. Instead of traditional birthday messages, many now ask for advice and "pep talks." She remarked, "People are asking for advice, they're asking for pep talks, they're asking for encouragement. It's not just 'happy birthday' anymore."
Reflecting on Harry Potter
The actor also reflected on the enduring impact of the Harry Potter franchise, acknowledging its importance for her career despite not considering it her most significant acting role. "It's been a huge part of people's childhoods, and I'm grateful for that," she said.
Margolyes' candid revelation highlights the growing trend of celebrities monetising their fame through direct-to-fan platforms like Cameo, which have boomed in recent years.
