To me, Helen Mirren is the very definition of grace. The popular British actress who is known for her role in major films over the past few decades, from “Caligula” to “The Queen.”
The iconic star turned 76 this past summer, but she revealed why she hates constantly feeling scrutinized for her age and appearance.
Dame Helen Mirren has always been beautiful, age has never affected her.
According to many, she’s truly a timeless woman.
The London-born 76-year-old is particularly well-known for portraying Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. But Mirren has several other awards under her belt and is widely known for her versatility as an actress.
Over the years, she has portrayed a wide range of characters, including both dramatic and comedic roles.
But she’s not only famous because of her appearances on the silver screen.
The award-winning actress has always made her views on the double standard for women in her industry clear. A vocal advocate against many injustices, her age has brought only further rallying against the many ways these prejudices are presented.
In fact, in a 2019 interview with Grazi, the star explained in detail why she hates terms like “anti-aging” and “beauty.” Feeling her generation in particular has been victimized by terms like this, she explained:
“How can a product be ‘anti-ageing’? That’s like saying, ‘I’m anti-sun.’ Well, the sun is going to rise. ‘Well no, I’m anti it.’”
Aging is a natural process and one that we all experience. Yet society seems obsessed with the idea of looking as youthful as possible.
There are countless creams and serums that promote a “healthier, younger” version of ourselves and wellness classes to keep us as fit as people 20 years our junior. But when it comes to embracing our true age, few seem interested.
According to Mirren, the natural act of aging should not be a cause for exclusion or shame.
“It’s extremely annoying to women of my generation and others following mine to have beauty products sold on a 15-year-old face,” she added.
Taking it a step further, the actress also explained clearly why she does not like the use of the word “beauty,” either.
She said:
“They’ll think: ‘Well, I’m not beautiful. It’s all very well for all these beautiful women, but I don’t feel beautiful.’
“I don’t want to exclude these people from feeling fabulous about themselves.”
It can be hard to accept growing older, but seeing others accept and love beauty at all ages does make it easier.
A brand ambassador for L’Oréal, Mirren explained how she would like to find ways to replace words like this, such as swapping the idea of “beauty” with “being,” a term that can apply to all. For example, she said, “I’m a being that wants to wear red hair…”
