During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show on November 28, 2023, actor Alexander Skarsgård shared a humorous anecdote about a near-miss living arrangement with fellow guest Miriam Margolyes. The unexpected pairing of the Pillion star and the acclaimed actress, known for her candid personality, provided a lively moment on the popular talk show.
Revealing the Backstory
Skarsgård, who is 49 years old, recounted that he almost rented a room in Margolyes’ condo in Santa Monica, California. The conversation began when host Graham Norton prompted Skarsgård to discuss his history with Margolyes. In her signature blunt style, Margolyes responded, “No you don’t!” which elicited laughter from the audience.
“I believe you own, or used to own, a condo in Santa Monica… were you looking to rent out a room in that, at one point?” Skarsgård asked, setting the stage for a lighthearted exchange. Margolyes, aged 84, confirmed that she had considered renting out a room.
A Comedic Misunderstanding
As the conversation unfolded, Skarsgård explained, “It was an ad. I was looking for a room to rent.” Margolyes, quick to interject, asked, “And why didn’t you take it?” To which Skarsgård replied, “Well… It’s a gorgeous apartment, and I remember that you were very charming.” He humorously added that he misread the situation, feeling a strong connection that could have complicated the tenant-landlord dynamic.
“I felt a strong sexual connection and felt it could potentially get messy if I rent a room in this apartment, if I’m your tenant,” Skarsgård said, prompting laughter from the audience.
Margolyes, unfazed by the implications, responded, “Darling! I’m 84 and gay, and I’ve been with my partner for 58 years.” The exchange highlighted the comedic chemistry between the two actors, with Skarsgård acknowledging, “Again, I probably misread the situation.”
The atmosphere remained light as the conversation shifted to other guests on the couch, including Glenn Close and Nicola Coughlan. Norton playfully asked Coughlan if she had worked with Margolyes, to which Coughlan humorously replied, “Yes, Miriam, I am your daughter.” Skarsgård then joked, “And I’m your father,” leading to a burst of laughter among the guests.
Margolyes also entertained the audience with a story about a naked prank during her time at a health farm, where she ran from a sauna into the snow, only to be reprimanded by the establishment’s director.
The full episode of The Graham Norton Show is available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, showcasing the delightful banter and unexpected connections among its star-studded guests.
