Helen Mirren claps back at ‘condescending’ comments about her age

Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren, 80, has fired back at perceptions of ageing, condemning the wave of condescending remarks young people often make about her.

The Thursday Murder Club star, who turned 80 last month, admitted she has no insecurities about ageing but regrets the way others perceive her.

“The hardest part is the condescension. It really annoys me,” Mirren told The Times.

Recalling a moment with her husband, director Taylor Hackford, she explained, “If my husband and I are holding hands, someone might say, ‘Oh, look. How sweet.’”

“It's like, excuse my language, ‘F**k off,’” she added sharply. “There’s something very condescending about some people’s attitudes. They think they’re being kind and generous, but they’re not — they’re being insulting.”

When asked if turning 80 was what she expected, the Emmy-winning star reflected on advice from her late mother: “My mum said something very wise to me many years ago — never be afraid of getting older. An amazing thing happens."

Mirren's mother continued as she recalled, "When you're 18 the thought of being 35 is horrific, but then you get to 35 and it’s actually a lot better. At 35, 55 feels terrifying, but when you get there, you realise there are great things about it. Your life moves on; you lose some things, but you gain others.”

“That’s certainly been the case for me,” said the BAFTA and Oscar-winning actress.

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