I am ageing with fun, but not gracefully...who cares about graceful?

Hollywood icon is really embracing later life

- BY HILARY MORGAN

As she prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday today, Dame Helen Mirren is as fearless and adventurous as ever.

The Hollywood legend remains one of our most distinguished actors, one who has pushed tirelessly against the idea of how long a woman remains “relevant”, particularly on screen.

She has played a host of iconic roles, from Detective Jane Tennison in TV's Prime Suspect to her Oscar winning turn as Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen.

Here, she shares secrets of her 40-year marriage to director Taylor Hackford and why she despises being told she “looks good for her age”...

As you turn 80, how is your approach to ageing gracefully helping you?

I am not ageing gracefully at all! I hate that term. It sounds like you have to be elegant and accepting, and no, I am not. I am ageing with fun, with commitment. But not gracefully. Who cares about graceful? You have to grow up with your own body, your own face and the way it changes. It's not always easy but it is inevitable. You have to learn to accept it.

How do you feel when someone says, “You look good for your age”?

Insulted! It is patronising. I hate that kind of comment. Be prepared, if you use that phrase, to be dissed in a major way!

You've often credited the 1950s Canadian Air Force workout for keeping you fit and healthy...