Dame Helen Mirren, 78, says the late Michael Parkinson may have been “right” when he infamously asked whether her physical “equipment” stopped her from being taken seriously, as she proves gray is on the Paris catwalk Fashion Week can still be glamorous
In recent years, she has decided to give up coloring and embrace her natural hair color.
And Dame Helen Mirren, 78, proved gray can still be glamorous as she walked the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week in a wildly slicked-back style.
The actress wore a shimmering silver dress as she attended the show of French beauty brand L’Oreal, of which she is an ambassador, on Sunday.
She was joined by American actress Andie MacDowell, 65, who also opted for the gray color and wore a similarly lush style.
Dame Helen, who called Sir Michael Parkinson a “sexist old fart” after appearing on his talk show in 1975, has now said the late presenter may have been “right” about her.
Dame Helen Mirren, 78, proved gray can still be glamorous as she walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week in a wildly slicked-back style
Dame Helen, who branded Sir Michael Parkinson (pictured in 1980) a “sexist old fart” after appearing on his talk show in 1975, has now said the late presenter may have been “right” about her
The shocking interview in which Sir Michael introduced his guest as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s “sex queen” has gone down in history as one of the most embarrassing of all time. Pictured: Helen Mirren on the set of “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover”
The shocking interview in which Sir Michael introduced his guest as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s “sex queen” has gone down in history as one of the most embarrassing of all time.
“Do you actually think that what might best be described as your equipment may actually be hindering you in this pursuit? Well, your physical characteristics. “Your character,” he said on the show.
She asked, “Serious actresses can’t have big breasts, is that what you mean?”, to which he replied, “I think they might affect performance, if you know what I mean.”
Dame Helen has now told the Radio Times: “I didn’t feel sorry for Parky, but in a way I did because in many ways he was right.”
“My physical condition prevented me from being taken seriously as a classical actress.”
She added: “Also, I was listening to Elton John’s autobiography and wasn’t aware that Parky had invited Elton to his show when Elton John was badly outed by The Sun so they could talk about it properly.”
The actress wore a shimmering silver dress as she attended the show of French beauty brand L’Oreal, of which she is an ambassador, on Sunday
Dame Helen was joined on the catwalk by American actress Andie MacDowell, 65, (pictured on Sunday), who also opted for gray and wore a similarly voluminous style
Dame Helen (pictured in 1992) now told the Radio Times: “I didn’t feel sorry for Parky, but in a way I did, because in many ways he was right.” My physical condition prevented me from being taken seriously as a classical actress .
“He reached out and helped Elton John at a very important moment. ‘That’s why I don’t want to diss Parky.’
Sir Michael, who died last month aged 88, always refused to apologize for the interview, which was branded sexist by many viewers.
During an episode of Piers Morgan’s Life Stories in 2019, he admitted that it was “embarrassing” and “over the top” but ultimately “appropriate for its time.”
Dame Helen said times are changing “rapidly” and “we can only tear down the patriarchy one stone at a time”.