Helen Mirren on Mortality

Dame Helen Mirren has opened up about her evolving perspective on life, acknowledging that the concept of mortality feels more tangible with age. While the acclaimed actress, now 79, hasn’t had any close encounters with death, she admits that growing older naturally brings a heightened awareness of life’s impermanence.

"As you journey through life, you become increasingly conscious of mortality," Mirren shared in an interview with The Independent, ahead of her highly anticipated return in 1923, the hit Yellowstone spin-off created by Taylor Sheridan. In the series, she portrays Cara Dutton, the resilient wife of Jacob Dutton, played by Hollywood legend Harrison Ford.

The Oscar-winning actress reflected on how the loss of friends and fellow industry icons, including Dame Maggie Smith, has deepened her appreciation for life. "In your teens and twenties, you rarely think about mortality—and rightfully so," she noted. "But as you age and witness the passing of loved ones, the reality of life’s finality becomes much more present."

Mirren also spoke about how life experiences shape an actor’s craft. “Everything we go through influences our work,” she explained. “As actors, we are essentially mirrors of the world around us.”

Her 1923 co-star, Harrison Ford, has also drawn from real-life challenges, particularly his harrowing 2015 plane crash, which left him with serious injuries. Mirren recalled a powerful moment on set, where Ford channeled his past trauma into an intense scene. "There was a moment where he was being carried, battered and bloodied, and afterward, he told me, ‘That’s exactly how I felt after my accident,’” she revealed.

At 80, Ford has previously spoken about the eerie similarities between his own survival and his character’s struggles in 1923, adding authenticity to his performance. Fans can look forward to season two, premiering February 23 on Paramount+, with new episodes releasing weekly. Meanwhile, season one remains available for streaming, offering viewers a chance to catch up on the drama.