Helen Mirren, 77, Confesses She Never Wanted Children and Built a Family on Her Own Terms

Helen Mirren has boldly and unapologetically chosen a child-free life, recognizing that not everyone’s path includes parenthood. Despite facing societal pressures and harsh criticism, she has consistently put her career first. However, as she enters this new chapter of her life, Mirren has found contentment in her choices and is now relishing the joy of being a devoted stepmother.

She consistently held her acting career as her top priority.

Helen Mirren’s extensive career has lasted several decades, during which she has achieved great success. Among her most memorable performances was her depiction of Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 movie, The Queen, which garnered her an Academy Award and solidified her reputation as a respected and accomplished artist.

Despite her incredible body of work that has cemented her as a prominent and celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, her path to success has been riddled with challenges and setbacks. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she has faced countless obstacles and endured interference from those who believed she was not cut out for the job.

Mirren said, “When I was very young, someone told me, ’Oh, you’ll never be an actress — you’ll get married and have children.’”

Marriage was not in her plans, but meeting her true love changed her mind.

Mirren had always been fiercely independent and focused on her star-studded career. She believed that love was a distraction that would only get in the way of her success. She claims, “I didn’t ever want to rely on a man to provide for me, I wanted to create something that was completely and utterly mine. And I didn’t want anybody in my life dictating what I do.”

The renowned actress had never imagined a life of marriage or parenthood, therefore, her sole focus was on attaining greater and greater success. “It’s not like I’m married or have babies, so the show is like a dream come true for me. Work hard, play hard.”

Sometimes fate can surprise us, and Taylor Hackford was certainly a surprise in Mirren’s life. The depth of their shared values and love for each other forged a bond so powerful that it shattered any lingering doubts the actress had about marriage and commitment. “I don’t have much life left, do I? So, I hope he’s the love of my life.”

After being together for 12 years, Hackford and Mirren decided to tie the knot. At 52 years old, despite her past reservations about marriage, Mirren’s love for Hackford compelled her to take that leap of faith. As she remarked, “I always said I have nothing against marriage, it just wasn’t to my taste, like turnips. It took me a very long time to come around to acquiring the taste. I just had to meet the right turnip.”

She had no desire for children, but this caused her to suffer at times.

While many assumed that settling down with the love of her life may change her mind, Mirren remained true to herself and her desires. When the topic of children would come up, the star was always honest about her disinterest in starting a family. “I love children, they are so funny and sweet, but I never wanted my own,” she said.

Although her decision not to have children wasn’t as firm as her vow never to marry, she ultimately felt that her work was more important, and she didn’t regret her choice. “I was always too engaged in my life as an actress,” Mirren claimed. “It was never an absolute conscious decision, it was just, ’Oh, maybe next year, maybe next year,’ until, really, there was no next year.”

While Mirren had previously expressed no remorse about her choice, there was a brief moment in her life, when she watched the movie Parenthood, that moved her to tears. In her own words, she explained that the film triggered a profound sense of loss and sadness, as she realized that she would never experience motherhood.

“I have never had a moment of regret about not having children. Well, I lie. When I watched the movie, Parenthood, I sobbed for about 20 minutes,” the actress admitted. “I realized I would never experience that, and for about 20 minutes, I sobbed for the loss of that and the fact that I never experienced it.”

But she is surrounded by a large extended family.

Despite her thoughts about having missed out on motherhood, Mirren found love and companionship with her husband, Hackford, as well as the children from his previous marriage. For Mirren, this unexpected turn in her life was a reminder that love can take many forms, and that the family we create can be just as meaningful as the one we are born into.

Mirren proves some bonds don’t need to be blood-related, but rather, are simply an outpouring love. “I can feel that kind of love for my extended family,” she said. Mirren has finally created her own “nest,” and although she’s always valued her privacy, she has recently stepped out with a special someone in public: her grandson, with whom she walked the red carpet.

The 77-year-old actress took her grandson, Basil Mirren, to the Shazam! Fury of the Gods premiere. They walked the red carpet together, with Mirren holding his hand and comforting him with her arm around his shoulders while smiling for the cameras.