NEW PEAKS TO CLIMB

The actress Connie Nielsen on turning 60, staying emotionally open and tackling Mount Everest when her youngest flies the nest

- NICY MORRIS

The Danish actress Connie Nielsen never thought she'd make it to her milestone 60th birthday. "When I was in my teens, I definitely thought 'live fast, die young' would be the right thing," she exclusively tells HELLO!.

"I loved risk until I became a mother, and that drastically changed my outlook," adds the star of Gladiator, Wonder Woman and MGM+'s new historical drama Robin Hood, a ten-part romance that also stars Sean Bean.

Connie has five sons – two from previous relationships with Metallica's drummer, Lars Ulrich, and the Italian actor Fabio Sartor, who died last year, plus three stepsons.

Turning 60 has proved bittersweet, she says. "You feel as though you're looking towards the end instead of looking towards the future. But then, on the other hand, I look awesome."

In Robin Hood, Connie plays Eleanor of Aquitaine, a powerful figure who served as the queen of both France and England during the 12th century.

"I couldn't believe how formidable she was," the star says. "She went on fighting for what she believed was the right thing.