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

Published: June 6, 2025

Actress Embeth Davidtz, who played the beloved teacher Miss Honey in the 1996 film Matilda, has reacted to a heartwarming trend on TikTok where students are paying tribute to their own "Miss Honeys" as the school year comes to a close.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Davidtz calls the trend "such a lovely surprise," adding that she had no idea that Miss Honey had impacted so many people and that it highlights how much people are longing for kindness in their lives.

Davidtz's Love for Miss Honey

Davidtz, 59, says she fell in love with the character the first time she read the book. "I just loved her gentleness, and was so excited to explore that," she adds.

Embeth Davidtz as Miss Honey in 1996's 'Matilda' and in 2024.

Working with Danny DeVito

Davidtz also shares fond memories of working with whom she had a "huge-hearted, special man" with a wicked sense of humor. She reveals that DeVito sometimes arranges cast get-togethers, which have been "really sweet" as all the children are grown-ups now.

Mara Wilson and Embeth Davidtz in 1996's 'Matilda'

Her Own Miss Honeys

Davidtz also shares that she had her own Miss Honeys growing up, including Mrs. Scheepers, her wonderful English teacher, and Mr. Reyburn, who made her fall in love with theatre.

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