Helen Mirren, 80, Reveals Career Anxiety Starting New Roles

Dame Helen Mirren, despite a six-decade-long, highly decorated career, reveals she still feels 'absolutely terrified' when starting a new acting project due to the inherent unknowns involved. She explains that each project brings unique energies and challenges, making it uncertain how the experience or chemistry with others will unfold, which she describes as 'nerve-racking.' Mirren embraces a 'fake it til you make it' approach, acknowledging that feeling insecure is common but often hidden behind pretense, a strategy she likens to everyday situations like job interviews or social events. This fear and uncertainty, she says, actually fuel her passion and drive for acting, keeping her engaged after all these years. She highlights her role as Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen' as particularly daunting due to the profound emotional connection many British people have with the monarchy, marking it as unknown territory at the time. Mirren's reflections underscore how even legendary performers grapple with vulnerability, which simultaneously motivates their craft.