11 stunning photos of a young Helen Mirren to celebrate her turning 76

These photos of a young Helen Mirren will likely bring major nostalgia for longtime fans of the beloved British actor

young helen mirren
(Image credit: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Helen Mirren turns 76 today—and what better way to celebrate her legacy than a trip down memory lane? 

The iconic British actor has built an incredible career on both the screen and the stage over the past six decades, starring in more than 60 films and 40 theatre productions. 

From roles in blockbusters like The Good Liar to Shakespeare plays like Hamlet, Helen is often praised as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors. She's also known for her impressive work ethic, churning out new movies on an annual basis since 2003. This commitment and talent have earned her a trophy wall worth of awards, including four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, and one Oscar. 

With so many successful projects under her belt, we thought we'd pay tribute to the legendary Helen on her 76th birthday with a lineup of the best young Helen Mirren photos from the earlier days of her career. 


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Helen Mirren accepts Best Actress in a Leading Role award for ?The Queen? at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Michael Caulfield/WireImage)

Helen Mirren accepts the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2007

(Image credit: Michael Caulfield/WireImage/Getty)

How old is Helen Mirren? 

Helen Mirren celebrates her 76th birthday today, 26 July. The Academy-award winner was born in Hammersmith, London, in 1945, into a working-class family. She happens to share her birthday with fellow British actress Kate Beckinsale, who was born on the same date 28 years later. 

1. Young Helen Mirren in the stage production of Troilus and Cressida in 1968

Actress Helen Mirren as Cressida, in a scene from "Troilus and Cressida" at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford. 7th August 1968 (Photo by Coventry Telegraph Archive/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)

(Image credit: Photo by Coventry Telegraph Archive/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images))

2. Helen Mirren at the Kine's Cross Hotel in 1968

Twenty two year old English actress Helen Mirren, photographed at the Kine's Cross Hotel today. February 20, 1968. (Photo by Bob (Robert) Rice/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)

(Image credit: Bob (Robert) Rice/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)

3. Helen Mirren at Heathrow Airport in 1969 

English actors Eric Porter (1928 - 1995) and Helen Mirren, of the Royal Shakespeare Company, at London Airport (now Heathrow), 4th January 1969. (Photo by Dove/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Dove/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images))

TCD/Prod.DB / Alamy Stock Photo

(Image credit: TCD/Prod.DB / Alamy Stock Photo)

5. Helen Mirren in The Balcony, London in 1971

Donald Cooper / Alamy Stock Photo

(Image credit: Donald Cooper / Alamy Stock Photo)

6. Helen Mirren relaxing at home in Fulham in 1975 

Photo shows Helen Mirren in her Fulham home, picture taken 26th September 1975 . (Photo by Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

(Image credit: (Photo by Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images))

7. Helen Mirren on a glittery photoshoot in 1975 

circa 1975: Sultry British TV and film actress Helen Mirren. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Keystone/Getty Images)

8. Helen Mirren dressed as a fairground stripper in 1975 

Photo shows Shakespearean actress Helen Mirren trying out her fantasy as a fairground stripper. Picture taken 4th July 1975. (Photo by Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)


(Image credit: Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

9. Helen Mirren at a graffiti-covered wall in 1976

24th May 1976: British actress Helen Mirren leaning against a graffiti-covered wall. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Evening Standard/Getty Images))

10. Portrait of a young Helen Mirren for the Radio Times in 1973

young helen mirren

(Image credit: Chris Ridley/Radio Times/Getty Images)

11. Helen Mirren in the film 2010, shot in 1984

young helen mirren

(Image credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images)
Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.