Dame Helen Mirren has claimed she was a ‘bit of an a******’ when she was young, because she was always being ‘underestimated’.
The actress, 80, began her film career in her early 20s, going on to reach global fame and acclaim, including Oscar, Emmy, Tony and BAFTA wins.
However, she admitted that she struggled in her youth ‘to break through the attitude’ that she wasn’t worth anything beyond her looks.
Speaking to Heart Radio alongside fellow actress Celia Imrie, Helen explained: ‘I think when I was young I was always underestimated and it’s very hard as a young woman.
‘It’s much better now than it was when I was sort of your age, but it’s very hard to break through the attitude that you are nothing but what you look like, basically. From men and women, I’d say it’s not just men. I mean mostly men, but women too.
‘So yes, I always felt I was being constantly underestimated when I was a young girl. And because of that I probably became a bit of an a******.’
Dame Helen Mirren has claimed she was a ‘bit of an a******’ when she was young, because she was always being ‘underestimated’
The actress, 80, began her film career in her early 20s, going on to reach global fame and acclaim, including Oscar, Emmy, Tony and BAFTA wins (seen in Troilus and Cressida in 1969)
However, she admitted that she struggled in her youth ‘to break through the attitude’ that she wasn’t worth anything beyond her looks.
However, Celia, 73, immediately cut in to deny that her pal had reacted poorly, saying it was the fault of attitudes in the era.
She insisted: ‘No, no you were just standing up for yourself and I understand. It is because you’re too beautiful I’m afraid, that’s thing and that is what you were judged on.
‘But you are a brilliant actress so yes, it is tricky. But I suppose the awful truth is that – though we both think we’re 26 really don’t we – those things don’t perhaps come into it so much.’
Helen’s admission comes just days after she hit out at society’s attitude towards ageing, offering several choice words to those who speak to her in a condescending manner because of her age.
The Queen star confessed that while she had no issues with growing older, she laments the way she is now perceived.
Reflecting on turning 80 to The Times last week, she mused: ‘The hardest part is the condescension. It really annoys me.’
Recalling an outing with her husband Taylor Hackford, also 80, Helen explained: ‘If my husband and I are holding hands, someone might say, “Oh, look. How sweet.”
‘It’s like, excuse my language, “F**k off.” There’s something very condescending about some people’s attitudes and I think they think they are being kind and generous. But they’re not. They’re being insulting.’
However, Celia, 73, immediately cut in to deny that her pal had reacted poorly, saying it was the fault of attitudes in the era
Helen’s admission comes just days after she hit out at society’s attitude towards ageing, offering several choice words to those who speak to her in a condescending manner because of her age (seen last week)
The Queen star confessed that while she had no issues with growing older, she laments the way she is now perceived (seen with husband Taylor Hackford in 2023)
The Gosford Park star went on to insist that getting older wasn’t something to fear, and that death ‘is what humanity is all about in the end.’
Helen mused: ‘My mum said something very wise to me many years ago. She said: “Never be afraid of getting older. An amazing thing happens. When you’re 18 the thought of being 35 is horrific. And you get to 35 and it’s actually a lot better than being 18. And when you’re 35 the thought of being 55 … Then you hit 55 and you realise there are great things about being 55. Your life has moved on, you lose certain stuff but you gain other stuff.” That’s certainly the case for me.’
Currently, Helen and Celia can be seen in The Thursday Murder Club, which follows a group of ‘geriatric sleuths’ who solve murders from their retirement home.
The Netflix film, based on the best-selling novel by TV’s Richard Osman, also stars David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce and Naomi Ackie, with the club rounded out by stars Pierce Brosnan and Sir Ben Kinsley.
Helen leads the cast as Elizabeth, a sharp ex-spy with a knack for uncovering secrets, with Celia playing Joyce, a compassionate ex-nurse who balances the group.
Pierce plays Ron, a former union activist with a passionate spirit, while Ben portrays Ibrahim, an insightful ex-psychiatrist.
Celia previously told how the four main stars of the film have bonded just like their characters in the novel, calling them ‘a team’.
Speaking to TV Times magazine, the Calendar Girls star explained: ‘It is the way we became a team that I love.
Currently, Helen and Celia can be seen in The Thursday Murder Club with Pierce Brosnan and Sir Ben Kinsley, which follows a group of ‘geriatric sleuths’ who solve murders from their retirement home (pictured)
‘And I was excited every day when I woke up and thought of coming to work with these fantastic actors. I couldn’t believe my luck.’
Ben agreed, adding: ‘Working with this cast is like playing tennis with an equal partner. It elevates the game tremendously. The ball never drops or gets lost.’
Celia also told how she headed straight to the bookshop to buy herself a copy of the novel after landing the part of Joyce.
Speaking more in depth about her character, who is a newcomer to the retirement village, she said: ‘Joyce has an innocence – she’s a bit unsure of herself, but fun, enthusiastic and a good sport. She wants to be included and is keen to make new friends.’
She added that the book was a ‘lovely reference’, allowing her to delve deeper into her character.
Helen was also a fan of the book, noting she was one of millions who read it and ‘couldn’t put it down’.
The star noted that she hoped viewers of the movie will be ‘entertained and moved’.