Hollywood’s green thumb: Helen Mirren reveals how her passion for gardening fuels acting success

Dame Helen Mirren, renowned for her influential and occasionally outspoken presence in the entertainment industry, boasts a career spanning several decades and a formidable collection of accolades, including an Academy Award, four BAFTA awards, four Emmys, and three Golden Globes.

She is most renowned for her standout performances in films such as The Queen (2006), for which she clinched an Academy Award, and The Last Station (2009), earning her an Academy Award nomination.

On the small screen, she gained popularity as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison in the police drama series Prime Suspect.

And according to the 78-year-old, she owes much of her success to gardening.

In a recent interview with Dujour magazine, Mirren shared that her passion for gardening has not only enhanced her acting abilities but also helped her shed “ego and insecurity” citing the unpredictable nature of the natural world.

“I think gardening probably helps me be a better actor,” she told the publication.

“It kind of cleans your brain. You can’t have an ego with a garden. The f****** plant just won’t grow where you want it to grow.

“It’s good for an actor to have the cobwebs and ego and insecurity go away for a little.”

When she isn’t in front of the camera or commanding the stage, Mirren can be found tending to her garden, a shared passion with her husband of 25 years, Taylor Hackford.

“My husband is a tree person, and I’m bushes and flowers. It’s a classic division of labour. It’s amazing to see trees we’ve planted,” she said.

“The beauty of nature is so fantastic. It’s wonderful to watch something grow that you’ve taken a cutting of.”

 

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While there were no doubt many green thumbs that enjoyed Mirren’s insights on gardening, many more were blown away by how incredible she looked in her photo shoot.

“Iconic,” one fan commented.

“She wears her age proudly. I have fully embraced my wrinkles, it’s who I am.”

“A beautiful woman and a MOST talented actress!!!”

“She was always so beautiful. Still is, BTW,” commented another.

“I love her so much.”

As Mirren can surely attest to there are a number of benefits that come with gardening, especially in our golden years.

Some of the benefits that can come with pottering around in the garden include mental stimulation, stress reduction, exposure to vitamin D, a sense of accomplishment, social interaction, access to fresh produce, and improved emotional well-being.

It’s also a fulfilling and therapeutic activity that promotes overall well-being and a deeper connection to nature.