Oscar Winner, 81, Goes Brunette and Makeup-Free for New Role
The acclaimed actress traded in her glamorous aesthetic for a darker, moodier look.
Dave Benett/Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images
Dame Helen Mirren has ditched her pristine hairstyles, polished makeup, and luxury wardrobe for a toned-down look—at least for a little while.
The Oscar-winning actress, who often portrays glamorous monarchs and well-dressed authority figures, is taking on a new role as a creepy, reclusive author in A Talent for Murder.
Helen Mirren, ever the style maven, wore a glamorous lavender Dolce & Gabbana gown at the 81st Golden Globe Awards in 2024.
Michael Buckner/Golden Globes 20/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Ima
In the Anton Corbijn-directed film, she wears minimal makeup, a brown wig, and loose-fitting, menswear-style clothing—a far cry from the sparkly, colorful ensembles she’s usually spotted in.
Mirren, 81, told People on Oct. 21 that she “had to let go” of her ego to embrace the new look.
“I like to look good,” she said, laughing.
Helen Mirren takes on a new role as a creepy, reclusive author in "A Talent for Murder."
Bleecker Street
The psychological thriller chronicles a young publisher’s journey to Switzerland to try to persuade a fictionalized version of the late Patricia Highsmith to write one final book in her famous Ripley anthology.
Sign up to receive news and updates from The Looker
By clicking “Sign Up” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Highsmith wrote dark psychological thrillers, including The Talented Mr. Ripley and Strangers on a Train. She died of leukemia in 1995 at the age of 74.
The late American author Patricia Highsmith poses in front of her portrait at her home in 1970.
Li Erben/Sygma via Getty Images
Fans of the Elizabeth I star commented on their surprise about her new role across social media.
“I got chills when I saw the poster. I knew exactly who it is supposed to be,” one person said.
The movie poster for the upcoming film "A Talent for Murder" shows actress Helen Mirren in minimal makeup and a brown wig.
Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment
“Mirren’s physical transformation is the most striking element so far,” added another.
Actress Helen Mirren stars as Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film "The Queen."
Miramax
Other fans said the look resembled her appearance in the 2023 film Golda Meir, in which she portrayed Israel’s former prime minister and wore a gray-haired wig, fluffy eyebrows, and facial prosthetics.
Her casting as Golda received backlash because she is not of Jewish heritage.
Helen Mirren as Golda Meir in the 2023 biographical drama.
Bleecker Street
Still, the actress told Vanity Fair in 2023 that she “loved being in that [makeup],” which took nearly three hours to apply each day.
“It really, really helped me inhabit the person, the character, the history,” she added.
Helen Mirren won an Academy Award in 2007 for portraying Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film "The Queen."
Kevork Djansezian / AP Photo
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Looker and The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…