Miriam Margolyes, known for her unapologetic approach to life, has consistently marched to the beat of her own drum, be it her inadvertent on-air expletives during daytime broadcasts or her multifaceted career as an actor and writer.
Now, the veteran star of "The Age of Innocence" is making yet another unconventional move that defies societal norms regarding romantic relationships. She recently made an announcement that she intends to cohabit with her partner, Heather Sutherland, a remarkable decision that comes a remarkable 54 years into their relationship.
Margolyes, who is 82 years old, first crossed paths with Sutherland back in 1969, when they collaborated on a BBC radio drama. Their enduring connection has spanned over five decades, during which they've steadfastly maintained a long-distance relationship.
In a recent appearance on "The Graham Norton Show," Margolyes candidly discussed their unique living arrangement. "We are together, but we live apart," she revealed. "She is in Amsterdam, and I am in London, but now we want to live together." Her reasons are grounded in a profound sense of the passing of time: "I really do want to live with her because we are old, and we haven't got much time left. It is silly to live apart."
Interestingly, earlier this year, Margolyes emphasized the significance of living separately from Sutherland in sustaining the longevity of their partnership. In an interview with Vogue, she elaborated on this aspect: "We were able to lead our lives without diminishing them. I didn't want her to have to give up anything. And I didn't want to give up anything. I wanted my cake and I wanted to eat it too. And so far, it's worked."
Margolyes also reflected on the freedom she believes the LGBTQ+ community possesses when defining the terms of their romantic relationships. In her perspective, gay individuals have a unique advantage in crafting relationships that suit their desires. "Gay people have the luck to be able to fashion the relationship they want. It's much more flexible for us," she explained. "I think gay people are very lucky because we are not conventional, we are a group slightly apart. It gives us an edge. We're good artists, we're good musicians."
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