“Matilda”’s Miss Honey Reacts as Students Honor Their Own ‘Miss Honeys’ in Final Days of the School Year (Exclusive)

Embeth Davidtz, Known for her Role as Miss Honey in Matilda, Reacts to TikTok Trend Honouring Teachers

Actress and director, Embeth Davidtz, is known for her iconic portrayal of the beloved teacher Miss Honey in the 1996 film Matilda. Recently, TikTok users have embraced a heartwarming trend where they overlay a voiceover from the film celebrating the teacher’s kindness with video clips honouring their own teachers as school years draw to a close.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Davidtz shares her delight at discovering the TikTok trend, calling it a “lovely surprise.” Reflecting on the character of Miss Honey, Davidtz remarks, “Matilda’s teacher Miss Honey was one of those remarkable people who appreciates every single child for who she or he is.” The sentimentality and warmth of the TikTok videos showcasing educators who made a difference in students’ lives resonate with the essence of the character she brought to life on screen.

The 1996 film Matilda, based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 children’s novel, captured the hearts of many with its tale of a young girl’s extraordinary journey, guided by the kindness and care of her teacher, Miss Honey. As students across the country take the opportunity to express their gratitude for their own Miss Honey-esque teachers through TikTok tributes, the enduring impact of the character is evident.

At the age of 59, Davidtz fondly recalls her initial connection with the character of Miss Honey, confessing, “I fell in love with the character the first time I read the book.” The attention to detail in creating Miss Honey’s persona on screen, with the assistance of the costume department and makeup artists, contributed to the magical experience of bringing the character to life for Davidtz.

Beyond her portrayal of Miss Honey, Davidtz reminisces about her time on set with co-star Danny DeVito, noting, “I just loved working with DeVito.” Their camaraderie and shared moments on set have translated into a lasting friendship, with DeVito occasionally arranging cast reunions that allow them to reconnect and reminisce about their time filming Matilda.

Since her role in Matilda, Davidtz has continued to explore her passion for acting and directing, with appearances in popular series like Californication, Mad Men, and The Morning Show. Her upcoming directorial debut, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, is set to premiere in July, marking a new chapter in her career.

Reflecting on her own school days, Davidtz acknowledges the teachers who inspired her journey, revealing, “I had two Miss Honeys of my own growing up.” Mrs. Scheepers, her English teacher, and Mr. Reyburn, who sparked her love for theatre, left a lasting impression on her and played a significant role in shaping her path in the entertainment industry.

As the TikTok trend celebrating teachers continues to spread messages of gratitude and appreciation, Embeth Davidtz’s portrayal of Miss Honey in Matilda stands as a timeless reminder of the profound impact teachers can have on their students’ lives. Through her heartfelt depiction of a compassionate and nurturing teacher, Davidtz has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.