“I don't like the word beauty.": Helen Mirren opens up about the standards she hopes to redefine

Helen Mirren is known for her long career and public image. At age 80, she continues to attend events and speak openly about age, style, and self-image. At a recent public appearance, she shared her thoughts about what she hopes people remember about her.

She spoke with People at the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth 2025 event in Los Angeles on December 2. During the interview, she explained that she does not connect with the usual meaning of “beauty.” She said she prefers a different way of being remembered.

She stated, “I don't like the word beauty. I've always preferred the word swagger. So my legacy would be: 'She had good swagger.’”

Helen Mirren said she hopes her legacy reflects confidence more than appearance. She believes standards around beauty can be limiting. Her comments focus on comfort, confidence, and personal freedom instead of looks.

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Helen Mirren chooses “swagger” over “beauty”

Helen Mirren made it clear that the word “beauty” does not reflect how she sees herself. She said people often focus too much on how someone looks. She said she wants something more real to define her public image and she chose "swagger" instead of "beauty".

Helen Mirren believes that swagger comes from how a person carries themselves. She sees it as more honest than beauty. In her view, beauty fades. But confidence can stay strong at any age.

She also spoke about how age has changed her views. She now finds value in being comfortable and secure in her choices. For her, this matters more than trying to meet public standards.

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Comfort, fashion, and the red carpet

Helen Mirren also spoke about how she prepares for red carpet events. She said her main focus now is on comfort. She shared a simple rule when choosing outfits.

“I've learned over the years, your shoes have to be bearable. They don't necessarily have to be comfortable. And in fact, comfortable sometimes is a bit boring, and you want cool shoes.”

She also explained why pain is not worth it.

“But they have to be bearable because if you're in unbearable pain, that is going to reflect on your face and your posture and everything. So you start with the shoes, and just make sure that you're secure in them and they're bearable.”

She later shared how her mindset has changed with time.

"I've come to a point where I just want [my red carpet outfit] to be comfortable as well.”

She also admitted that this was not always true.

She explained her past attitude by saying, “Beauty knows no pain. I have been there more than once, you know, sucking up the pain for my vanity. But again, it reflects on your face if you're comfortable.”

Helen Mirren also described the red carpet as a type of performance.

“[A red carpet is] a performance. It is like going onstage, really, and I treat it as such. It's a sort of wonderful, fun, silly performance. It's not going to last forever.”

She further explained, “It has huge meaning for a second or two, and then the meaning is gone, and we're onto something else.”

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How does Helen Mirren view aging at 80?

In another interview, Helen Mirren spoke about turning 80. She said she does not see aging as something negative. Instead, she sees it as proof that she is still living fully.

“I find everything about it [fabulous]. F--- it, I'm alive and I'm working and I can drink a glass of wine and I can wear makeup and I can listen to music and I can watch a beautiful sunset.”

She continued, “And I can go to the theater and I can watch a movie and I can binge Netflix and I can live life.” She ended with, “It's a beautiful thing.”

These words show how she values daily life. Not an image. Not perfection. Just the ability to live freely and enjoy simple things.

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