Helen’s first leading role in television was as Cousin Bette for the BBC in the 70’s Other BBC work at that time included The Changeling, The Philanthropist and the outstanding 1979 production of Denis Potter’s Blue Remembered Hills. However it was in the award-winning series Prime Suspect as DCI Jane Tennison that Helen became a household name in television. Written by Lynda La Plante as a single TV drama it spawned another 4 series in the 90s. Helen reprised the role in 2003 and the final Prime Suspect was released in 2006, bringing this iconic role to its conclusion and for which she won an Emmy for Best Actress.
During the ‘intermission’ from Prime Suspect Helen starred in a number of award winning US TV productions including Losing Chase, Ayn Rand and The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone. Her performance in the television role in Elizabeth I won her an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Her most recent television role was in David Mamet’s Phil Spector for HBO Films where she starred alongside Al Pacino as Spector’s lawyer Linda Kenney Baden. For this role she won a SAG award for Best Actress and was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Helen Mirren was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 2003.
