Helen Mirren talks ‘terrified’ feeling before starting new project

Critically acclaimed actress Helen Mirren admits she still feels “terrified” before starting a new job, despite the recognition of an Academy Award.

Speaking with PEOPLE, Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club star pointed out that every new film or show is an “unknown,” even to a highly experienced actress.

“And each time you enter into a new project, you never know how it's going to be or how the people are going to be and whether the chemistry will be good or a disaster. So stepping into a project is nerve-racking,” she shared with the outlet.

The BAFTA and Emmy-winning legend added that every new project is completely different, with distinct energy and requirements.

“You never know if you're going to sort of step up or not,” Mirren said, adding that despite being scared, she doesn’t let it show in her acting.

Mirren believes in the phrase “fake it till you make it.”

“A lot of it is pretense, of course, sort of acting,” she said. “You feel insecure, but you pretend you don't. And we all do it, don't we?”

Helen Mirren plays Elizabeth Best in Netflix’s new movie The Thursday Murder Club. Her character is a sharp-witted former MI6 agent who leads a quirky group of retirees turned amateur sleuths.

With elegance, humour, and razor-sharp instincts, she anchors the mystery as both the group’s mastermind and its emotional core.

The Thursday Murder Club streams on Netflix on Friday, Aug. 29.

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