Here are the 12 lesser-known facts about Helen Mirren
Russian Roots: Helen Mirren’s birth name is Ilyena Lydia Mironoff. Her paternal grandfather was a Russian aristocrat who fled the country during the Bolshevik Revolution.
Inspired by Shakespeare: Her love for acting was sparked at a young age after watching Hamlet. She was particularly fascinated by Ophelia’s character, which later influenced her decision to join the National Youth Theatre.
First Job in Carnival: Before achieving fame, Mirren worked as a “blagger” at an amusement park in Southend-on-Sea, enticing people to try carnival games.
Only Actress to Portray Both Elizabeths: Mirren is the only actress to have played Queen Elizabeth I (Elizabeth I, 2005) and Queen Elizabeth II (The Queen, 2006), earning critical acclaim for both performances.
Reluctant to Marry: Mirren, who married director Taylor Hackford in 1997, once said she never intended to get married. Their wedding took place after over a decade of being together.
Body Positivity Pioneer: Helen posed nude in her 60s for magazines and has always been a vocal advocate for gracefully embracing natural beauty and aging.
Rebellious in Youth: In her younger years, Mirren was a self-described “hippie,” embracing the counterculture of the 1960s with her adventurous spirit and free-spirited lifestyle.
First Nude Scene Was Controversial: Her role in The Age of Consent (1969) included nudity, which was groundbreaking at the time and caused quite a stir in conservative circles.
She Loves Tattoos: Mirren has a tattoo of interlocking V-shapes on her left hand, which she got during her youth as a symbol of rebellion.
Ballet Aspirations: As a child, she dreamed of becoming a ballerina, but she eventually found her true calling in acting.
Fluent in French: Mirren is a skilled French speaker and has acted in French films, demonstrating her linguistic versatility.
Supports Youth Theatre: Despite her fame, Mirren remains a strong advocate for the National Youth Theatre, where her acting journey began.