When you think of Helen Mirren, you probably picture one of the most iconic and respected actresses in Hollywood today. But guess what? Fame wasn’t always part of her story. Believe it or not, Helen didn’t become a household name until she was well into her 40s. And let me tell you, that late arrival to superstardom turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It taught her some hard-earned life lessons that she’s now sharing with all of us.
In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Helen opened up about what it takes to succeed in the industry. “Be loyal and always be on time,” the 72-year-old advised during the Toronto Film Festival premiere of her latest movie, The Leisure Seeker. And then she dropped some real wisdom: “And don’t be an a–hole!” Classic Helen—straightforward, no-nonsense, and completely relatable. This is advice we can all live by, right?
Helen at the Toronto Film Festival.
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Hard Work and Late Fame: Helen’s Inspiring Story
Even though Helen didn’t experience that big break until later in life, she never stopped hustling. Her dedication and passion for her craft kept her moving forward. “From the very beginning, I’ve always worked nonstop,” she revealed. “But back when I was 22, I craved fame. I had a level of success in Britain, but the kind of international recognition I eventually achieved didn’t come until after I turned 40.”
Aging Gracefully: Helen’s Perspective
These days, Helen is all about embracing the aging process. “I rarely wish I were younger because, honestly, it’s pretty awesome to be older,” she said in a past interview. “What I love most about getting older is this wonderful sense of not giving a f–ck anymore. You young ones, don’t fear aging—it’s absolutely fantastic!”
And while Helen may have joked about wishing she were 40 years younger while looking out at a crowd during an event, her overall attitude toward growing older remains refreshingly positive. She truly believes there’s power in age, and she encourages everyone to celebrate it.
View this post on InstagramOne of many beautiful posh little stores in Brentwood Country Mart, Los Angeles. I wish I could share the smell.
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Helen Champions Women in Showbiz
Another thing Helen is passionate about is the increasing presence of women in the entertainment industry. “Back when I first entered the film world, stepping onto a set felt like walking into the locker room of an NFL team—it was overwhelmingly male-dominated,” she recalled. “There might have been one or two women around, but that was it.”
She went on to praise the trailblazers who paved the way for change. “It’s thrilling to witness this transformation. I tip my hat to those women who stood firm 20 years ago and said, ‘I can do that.’” Helen added, “That’s why I hope to live another 40 years—to see what other amazing changes are coming. Ladies, enjoy this new era!”
