Helen Mirren reveals regrets over roles she turned down
Helen Mirren was presented with a lifetime achievement award by Harrison Ford at the American Cinematheque Awards.
Helen Mirren is not afraid to admit she’s made “missteps” during her long, successful acting career.
Prior to the American Cinematheque Awards in Los Angeles Thursday night, Helen told Fox News Digital there are “a few” roles she regrets turning down.
“Oh many! Not many, but a few,” Mirren said of any roles she regrets passing on. “You do make missteps and some I did that I probably shouldn’t have done. You make missteps, definitely.”
Helen Mirren was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the American Cinematheque Awards gala. (Getty Images)
At the gala, Mirren was presented the lifetime achievement award by her “1923” co-star, Harrison Ford.
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Speaking to Fox News Digital, Mirren said this award means she has been “accepted by the American film industry.”
WATCH: Helen Mirren reveals regrets over roles she turned down
“For such a long time I was dreaming the impossible dream for me as a sort of small stage actress in London. I never imagined that I would have the kind of opportunities that I have had in America and had the kind of recognition that I’ve had in America,” Mirren said.
“So, it completely took me by surprise. I never, never imagined that I would be offered this sort of recognition, so I am very proud and not humble at all.”
Taylor Hackford was equally proud of his wife.
Helen Mirren’s husband, Taylor Hackford, praised his wife to Fox News Digital before the prestigious gala. (Michael Tran/AFP)
“Well, my wife, I’m used to it. She gets out of bed, she wins an award,” Hackford joked to Fox News Digital. “She’s won so many, rightfully so, because she’s incredibly talented, incredibly real. This tonight is a fantastic award, but I think every single time she wins something I am amazed by her class.”
Hackford, the former president of the Directors Guild of America, has been married to Mirren since 1997.
WATCH: Helen Mirren says she ‘never imagined’ the opportunities she would have as an actress in America
Mirren’s husband is most proud of the speeches she gives every time she wins an award.
“She never, ever repeats a speech,” he said.
Harrison Ford presented his “1923” co-star, Helen Mirren, with the award Thursday night. (Michael Tran /AFP)
Mirren made a statement at the American Cinematheque Awards when it was time to give her speech. After reading from a piece of paper, Helen ripped up her AI-generated speech.
“Ladies and gentlemen and esteemed guests and dear friends, I am deeply humbled, profoundly honored to stand before you today accepting this extraordinary award. To be recognized for a lifetime devoted to the craft of acting is a privilege beyond words,” she said, according to Variety.
“First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the industry and the individuals who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. It is, has been a life filled with passion, challenges and, above all, an unyielding love for the art of storytelling.
Helen Mirren ripped her AI-generated speech onstage at the 37th Annual American Cinematheque Awards. (Michael Buckner/Variety)
“And that was written by AI,” she added, before she dramatically tore the papers on stage. The outlet reported her comments were met with applause.
She continued her speech and mentioned her Oscars win for her work as Queen Elizabeth in the 2006 film “The Queen” and told the audience she thought, “There is really one way now, and it can’t be up.”
MIrren has won four Emmy Awards, an Academy Award and a Tony Award. She has also won three BAFTAs and three Golden Globes.
