10 fun and interesting Helen Mirren facts

1. A True Hollywood Icon

Helen Mirren is a true Hollywood icon, having won an impressive array of awards throughout her career. She has been honored with an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in 'The Queen', as well as four BAFTAs, four SAG Awards, three Golden Globes, four Emmys, and two Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Awards. Her impressive list of accolades is a testament to her immense talent and dedication to her craft.

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2. A Stage Actress Who Captivated Audiences

In her younger years, Helen Mirren was a renowned stage actress, performing in a variety of plays with the Royal Shakespeare Company throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She was highly praised for her performances, and her talent was recognized by many in the industry. Her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company was particularly noteworthy, as she was able to bring the characters to life in a way that captivated audiences.

Also → Cate Blanchett: Powerful and Moving Performances as Queen Elizabeth

3. Helen Mirren Named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In 1996, Helen Mirren famously refused the Commander of Order of the British Empire, but seven years later, in 2003, she was named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her immense contributions to the world of drama. This honor was bestowed upon her on the Queen's Birthday Honors List, a testament to the respect and admiration she has earned throughout her illustrious career.

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4. Helen Mirren's Favorite Role: Playing a Villain

Helen Mirren's favorite role was in the 1999 film 'Teaching Mrs. Tingle', where she played the villainous history teacher. Despite not being her most critically-acclaimed movie, Mirren found the role to be particularly enjoyable, citing the complexity of the character and the challenge of playing a villain as the main reasons for her fondness of the role. She has since gone on to win an Academy Award, four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and two Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Awards.

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5. Helen Mirren Gets a Star Tattoo on a Native American Reservation

The renowned actress Helen Mirren is known for her rebellious streak, and this was certainly evident when she visited a Native American reservation in Minnesota. On a whim, she decided to get a star tattooed on her left hand, a permanent reminder of her spontaneous and daring nature.

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6. "Naked Bodies vs. Churches"

Helen Mirren is no stranger to appearing in the buff, having famously done so in the 2003 film 'The Calendar Girls'. In response to the attention her nude scenes garnered, she famously quipped that people are far more interested in seeing naked bodies than pictures of churches. This statement speaks to her boldness and willingness to challenge societal norms, something that has become a hallmark of her career.

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7. Chameleon of the Acting World

Helen Mirren is a true chameleon of the acting world, having achieved the remarkable feat of playing both Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. In 2005, she starred in the film 'Elizabeth I', where she portrayed the iconic monarch of the 16th century. Just one year later, she took on the role of the modern-day Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film 'The Queen', making her the only actress to ever play both of these iconic figures.

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8. Still a Powerhouse in the Entertainment Industry

At the age of 60+, Helen Mirren is still a force to be reckoned with. Not only was she voted the sexiest older woman in the world in 2007, but she can give anyone half her age an inferiority complex. In 2010 alone, she acted in six films, proving that age is just a number and that she is still a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

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9. Helen Mirren in "Love Ranch": Realistic Brothel Owner

To prepare for her role as Nevada's first legalized brothel owner in the 2010 film Love Ranch, Helen Mirren took her research to the next level and spent a night in an actual brothel. She wanted to gain a better understanding of the environment and the people who worked there, so she could accurately portray the character. Her dedication to the role paid off, as she was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.

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10. Helen Mirren Finally Ties the Knot

After decades of publicly vowing never to marry, Helen Mirren finally tied the knot in 1997 with Taylor Hackford, the Academy Award-winning director of films such as An Officer and a Gentleman and Ray. The couple, who have been together for over two decades, have since become one of Hollywood's most beloved couples.