October 3rd 2023.
Dame Helen Mirren has opened up about her legendary 1975 interview with Sir Michael Parkinson. The late broadcaster repeatedly referenced the then-30-year-old star's 'physical attributes', leading her to brand him 'sexist'.
However, in the new issue of Radio Times, Mirren has given a far more nuanced reaction to the TV appearance. She admitted she felt both sympathy and understanding for the legendary broadcaster, considering his comments were reflective of the times, saying:
"I didn't feel sorry for Parky, but then in a way I did because in lots of ways he was right. My physicality did get in the way of me being taken seriously as a classical actress."
Mirren also acknowledged that times have changed, saying: "Yes, yes they really do. And fast. And we can only kick down the patriarchy one brick at a time."
The acclaimed actress also pointed to the way Sir Michael invited Sir Elton John onto his programme after he was ‘outed in a bad way’ by the media. She revealed that his gesture was an act of kindness:
"Parky invited Elton on to his show so that they could talk about it properly. He held out a hand and helped Elton John at a very important moment. So I don’t want to diss Parky."
Back in 2019, Dame Helen told Flaunt magazine that Sir Michael ‘never saw’ why the interview got such a bad reputation over the years. She said that he didn't understand what all the fuss was about, saying:
"He did blow it that once, because, you know, he didn’t know any different. I mentioned it to him again years later and he never saw what was wrong with it. He never could quite grasp it."
Sir Michael even appeared on Piers Morgan's Life Stories and while he admitted the interview was 'embarrassing' despite being ‘of its time’, he added: ‘Well, maybe [the comments were sexist]. But nobody got hurt, nobody died.’
It's clear that Dame Helen Mirren's view of the 1975 interview has evolved over the years, and her perspective is one of understanding and sympathy. While times have changed, Sir Michael's gesture of kindness and support towards Elton John will remain an important reminder of how people can move forward.
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