Miranda is a graduate of the prestigious Australian theatrical school NIDA, (the same facility which boasts such luimnaries as Mel Gibson and Judy Davis) Daughter of prolific Australian actor Barry Otto In the fight scenes from the "Lord of the Rings" movies, her costume (armor) was very heavy, weighing 8 to 10 kilos (22 lbs.). Gave birth to her first child, a girl, named Darcey in Australia. Her husband, who was unable to attend the birth, watched via web cam from America. [1 April 2005] Won Logie for Most Outstanding Actress In A Drama Series for the miniseries Through My Eyes (May 2005) Was pregnant with daughter Darcey while filming War of the Worlds' In 2003, she received a Helpmann Award Nomination for "Best Female Actor in a Play" for "A Doll's House". Gave up studying a medical career to pursue acting. Spent six months shooting her role as Eowyn for the Lord of the Rings and was required to learn sword fighting and horseback riding. Took ballet lessons. Was named after the character Miranda in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest".