The “God-given” 1991 role Helen Mirren couldn’t refuse: “I absolutely had to do this”Along with some other famous octogenarians like The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney, you get the sense that Helen Mirren is approaching being in her 80s as though it were no big deal whatsoever, and just continuing to do what she does best. However, it was the following year, and back in Britain, that she found one of her most defining characters. The first series was nominated for eight Baftas, winning four, including one for ‘Best Actress’ for Mirren. She recalled hearing about the part to LA Times, saying, “My reaction was this is a God-given gift. Once she was done with the role, she shifted to movies more frequently, and with quite some success.