Helen Mirren has definitely earned a legion of fans throughout her more than 50-year career as an actress, and her commitment to ageing naturally has garnered her even more popularity.
Mirren started off in the entertainment industry as a theater actress, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company before making her debut on London’s West End in 1975.
Though, the now-78-year-old didn’t become a household name until later on in her life – she was 35 when she landed her breakout role as a gangster’s girlfriend in ‘The Long Good Friday’ (1980), opposite Bob Hoskins.
Having focused on her career for much of her adult life, finding the right partner and having children wasn’t on Mirren’s radar… Until she met her now-husband – US film director Taylor Hackford.
“I was 38 when I met Taylor, pretty late in life,” she stated in a 2016 AARP interview, recalling how the director had kept her waiting for an audition when they first met. When she eventually landed the part, the pair got to know each other and their relationship grew from there.
Eventually, Mirren and Hackford were able to bond over their similar working class upbringings (her mother was a working class woman whose own family came from a long line of butchers, while Mirren’s father was a Russian aristocrat who escaped to the UK during the Russian Revolution and became a cab driver to support his family).
The future spouses also bonded over their love for traveling, and apparently had a similar view on storytelling, both being in the entertainment industry.
Even though Hackford’s two children from previous marriages supported Mirren’s union with their father, this didn’t change her stance on becoming a mother herself. Though, she did explain that she found Hackford’s dedication to being the best parent to his children rather endearing.
The pair eventually married in 1997, after they came to the realization that they knew they would be together forever. At that point, they’d been together for over a decade.
The infamous swimsuit photo
Fast forward to 2008, and Mirren went viral for an image her husband snapped of her at the beach… Something that stunned fans and even the legendary actress herself!
The married couple had been on a romantic Italian beach vacation when they trekked to a secluded beach spot to take in the breathtaking views in private.
She recalled how she took a photo of her husband and then, in return, he snapped a quick pic of her. Though, Mirren said that the moment she sucked in her stomach when posing, she saw a small flash in the distance and crouched down on the rocks to hide from the apparent paparazzo.
When Mirren’s husband turned around, he couldn’t see the paparazzo, and said his wife was just being “paranoid”. Though, sure enough, the photo taken of Mirren in a red bikini was posted by a tabloid and went viral everywhere.
A few years later the actress told Ellen DeGeneres on the latter’s talk show that the image was just a fluke, saying: “I look at that picture and say, god, I wish I look like that. But I don’t.”
Years later, people are still stunned by the image of Mirren, who was 63 years old at the time it was taken – with many people on the internet commenting that they don’t look half as good as her despite being decades younger!
In 2014, the Oscar winner spoke about the image just before her 68th birthday, telling People: “The truth is I don’t really look that good, it was just a flattering picture.”
She added: “I am beyond the bikini-wearing age, really. I wouldn’t normally wear one. I look like a woman in her 60s. I’ve always looked awful in a bikini, even when I was young.”
What do you think of Helen Mirren’s stunning bikini image? Let us know in the comments!
If you liked this article, then you’ll definitely be interested in reading about how Julie Andrews made a rare public appearance at 87.
Lady Gaga Defends Trans Activist, Dylan Mulvaney, Amid Women’s Day Post Controversy
Dylan Mulvaney has found herself at the center of controversy after sharing photos celebrating International Women’s Day. Mulvaney, a prominent activist for transgender rights, faced backlash for her participation in the annual event. However, she found a powerful ally in none other than Lady Gaga, who came to her defense, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and solidarity among all women, regardless of their gender identity.
Dylan Mulvaney posted some pictures on her social media.
Dylan Mulvaney took to her social media, on March 8th, to share a series of photos alongside none other than Lady Gaga. In the images, both Mulvaney and Gaga donned sleek black outfits, exuding confidence and strength.
The caption, “Happy International Women’s day 👯♀️💓,” accompanied the pictures, emphasizing their celebration of womanhood and unity. What truly captured hearts, however, was the exchange between the two icons. Gaga, expressing admiration for Mulvaney, exclaimed, “I’m putting you on my vision board, for life,” to which Mulvaney responded with a heartfelt declaration of love.
Controversy ensued.
Controversy erupted as Dylan Mulvaney’s photos sparked a flurry of comments on social media. Among the barrage of negativity were remarks such as, “This is so degrading to REAL women,” and “You will always be a man,” reflecting the pervasive transphobia still present in society.
However, amidst the hate, voices of support emerged, with individuals emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. One commenter stated, “These comments are truly horrendous, TRANS WOMAN ARE WOMAN. So, therefore, they should celebrate themselves as well as other women on International Women’s Day.”
Another defender proudly proclaimed, “I’m a ‘real woman’ and I’m not offended in the slightest! I am proud that these two women are supporting other women! Love is the only thing that can extinguish hate!“
She has talked about her facial feminization surgery.
The journey of self-discovery is beautifully illuminated by Dylan’s courageous transparency by sharing her experience as a trans woman. Recently, she unveiled the profound results of her facial feminization surgery, a poignant milestone in her journey towards self-realization.
In a heartfelt message accompanying the reveal, she articulated her profound desire for every trans individual to experience the same sense of affirmation and confidence when they gaze into the mirror. Her words resonate as a powerful testament to the universal quest for self-acceptance and the unwavering belief in the right to define one’s own identity.
Lady Gaga defended Dylan Mulvaney.
Lady Gaga took a bold stand in defense of Dylan Mulvaney and the transgender community, expressing her dismay at the vitriolic response to their National Women’s Day post. In an Instagram statement, Gaga condemned the hateful comments as acts of violence, refusing to label them as mere “backlash.”
She continued “I feel it is important to clarify that hatred is hatred, and this kind of hatred is violence.” She highlighted the ongoing struggle for transgender acceptance and emphasized the need for society to cherish and uphold transgender lives. Gaga’s protective stance extended beyond Mulvaney to encompass the entire trans community, praising their resilience in the face of relentless discrimination and violence.
Gaga wrote “I hope all women will come together to honor us ALL for International Women’s Day, and may we do that always until THE DAY that all women are celebrated equally. That all people are celebrated equally. A day where people of all gender identities are celebrated on whichever holiday speaks to them. Because people of all gender identities and races deserve peace and dignity.”
The singer added “May we all come together and be loving, accepting, warm, welcoming. May we all stand and honor the complexity and challenge of trans life—that we do not know, but can seek to understand and have compassion for. I love people too much to allow hatred to be referred to as “backlash.” People deserve better.”
Lady Gaga’s recent paparazzi snapshot has set tongues wagging and hearts racing as speculation about a possible engagement reaches fever pitch. In the candid photo, Gaga is spotted sporting a dazzling ring, instantly igniting a whirlwind of rumors about her romantic life.
Preview photo credit dylanmulvaney / Instagram, dylanmulvaney / Instagram, dylanmulvaney / Instagram
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