Helen Mirren Criticizes Condescending Reactions to Age, Relationship

Dame Helen Mirren, who recently turned 80, has expressed frustration with the condescending attitudes she encounters from younger people regarding her age and public displays of affection with her husband, Taylor Hackford, also 80. She criticized comments like 'Oh, look. How sweet,' which she finds insulting rather than kind, highlighting a broader issue of ageism. Mirren embraces aging, inspired by her mother's wisdom, acknowledging that while aging means losing some things, it also brings new gains and is a natural, beautiful part of life. She stars in the film adaptation of Richard Osman's novel, The Thursday Murder Club, which features a group of seniors solving crimes and reflects themes of vitality in later years. Despite mixed reviews of the film, Mirren values the project's emotional depth and the opportunity to work with esteemed actors and director Chris Columbus. Throughout her life, Mirren has been reminded of mortality through the deaths of loved ones but remains steadfast in her positive outlook on aging and life.