She’s one of Hollywood’s most successful actresses, with an Oscar, four Emmys, three Golden Globes and a Tony award under her belt, but if her most recent speech is anything to go by, Dame Helen Mirren could easily add motivational speaker to her list, too.
The Woman In Gold actress was recently at the Elle Women In Hollywood awards, where she deservedly accepted the Legend Award – and then proceeded to give a seriously brilliant acceptance speech.
Helen was honoured for her incredible career achievements.
As a woman with a successful career, marriage (she’s been married to Taylor Hackford for almost 19 years) and legions of fans, the 71 year-old humbly passed on five of her top life tips to the audience.
“Feel free to pass these along,” she quipped in her acceptance speech, before listing her advice. And believe us when we say that you’re definitely going to want to get on board with these tips…
• “Never drink alcohol, unless you’re celebrating something, upset or something, or if it’s a day that ends in the letter Y. And never drink when you’re driving.”
• “There are no rules about love, I don’t believe, but don’t be in a rush to get married. Honestly. I married Taylor much later in my life and it’s worked out just great. Now give your partner the freedom and support to achieve their ambitions, very important. And that goes both ways, men and women.”
• “At the blackjack table, always split aces, eights and nines. Believe me, it really improves the odds.”
• “Connect with friends daily. I don’t mean on Facebook. Better to have three great friends than 300 friends on social media. Friends you really talk to.”
• “And finally, finally, ignore anyone who judges the way you look. Especially if he or she is some anonymous miserable creep lurking on the internet or is a bloated, small-headed, dinosaur-y-handed candidate for president.”
Dame Helen has always been firm about her beliefs – and we love her for it.
Then, she finished her speech with: “To make you proud that you chose to honour me tonight, I’m going be the nastiest of all nasty women.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time Helen has delivered a blinding monologue. Back in 1975, the then-30-year-old put interviewer Michael Parkinson in his place when he asked the star some sexist questions about her looks.
WATCH: Helen Mirren shuts Parkinson down in old interview footage.
