Dame Helen Mirren and her husband, Taylor Hackford, got married in 1997. The two began dating in 1986, and it took them a little over a decade to exchange vows. Even after over 30 years together,.Mirren still gushes over her husband.
The couple were recently spotted going out for dinner at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. They looked dashing as they stepped out on the evening of August 27, 2023, with Mirren’s outfit showcasing her ageless beauty.
The actress was in a long-sleeved blue floral dress that accentuated her waist. Her gray hair was pushed back with a glamorous red headband holding it in place. On her feet were a pair of coordinated pumps, and in her hand a black woven handbag and Hackford’s gray baseball cap.
Mirren looked happy with a bright smile. She accessorized her outfit with a pair of gold drop earrings and a simple necklace. Beside her was Hackford in jeans and a white and black striped polo shirt.The actress’s husband wore tan leather shoes and a gray blazer to complete his look. The pair looked comfortable and happy in each other’s company even after 26 years of marriage.
Mirren opened up in 2022 during an appearance on “The Graham Norton” show. She revealed the COVID-19 pandemic had allowed her to spend quality time with her husband, and they had sat at the table opposite from each other for the first time in 30 years. They carried on the routine every night for six months as they had dinner together.
“The Queen” star, who said spending time with her husband was fantastic and brilliant, also revealed the secret to their long-lasting marriage and how they have remained in love with each other.
What Is Mirren’s Secret to 26-Year Marriage to Hackford?
Mirren believes her marriage to Hackford has lasted decades because of the time they spend apart. They are both talented and have successful jobs in the movie industry. Their jobs make them spend lots of time apart as they travel the world and live in different countries.
Hackford and Mirren finally got married on New Year’s Eve in 1997, which was also Hackford’s birthday. The two joked that they spent their wedding night in a supposedly haunted castle in Scotland.
The actress added that the pair spend so much time apart and are always pleased to see each other, which has contributed to their long-lasting marriage.
Helen Mirren and husband Taylor Hackford are having a lovely time in Italy http://t.co/2RYt7t2pFG pic.twitter.com/1hrrcR5gVd
— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) July 14, 2015
In 2016, Mirren confessed that meeting Hackford later in life boosted their relationship. The two met right after Mirren played her breakthrough role in “The Long Good Friday,” released in 1980. Hackford, who is a film director, later auditioned the actress for the 1985 dance-drama movie, “White Knights.”
“The Good Liar” actress said her relationship with Hackford was like a partnership that she was so glad to have in her life. Still, she noted that their marriage had love, lust, and everything good and called her husband the love of her life.Despite spending lots of time apart, over the years, the couple have been photographed together attending events and gracing red carpets. In 2016, the two attended Lady Gaga’s concert, while in 2015, they were spotted on a boat enjoying vacation time in Italy.
How Has Mirren’s and Hackford’s Love Journey Been?
Mirren and Hackford’s relationship started professionally. However, their first meeting wasn’t smooth, as Hackford kept Mirren waiting for an audition. He later admitted that their first encounter was a strange way to meet the actress because she was a lovely person.
Mirren was mad at Hackford for keeping her waiting, but she later came around. She started liking the film director because of his absolute and total commitment to his kids.
Hackford had a son, Rio, born in 1970, whom he shared with his first wife, Georgie Lowres. He is also a father to Alexander, born in 1979, whom he shares with his second wife Lynne Littmann. In contrast, Mirren never had biological kids and said she felt it wasn’t her destiny.The actress kept thinking she would have biological kids one day, but it just didn’t happen, and now she doesn’t care what people say.
Ironically, she also wasn’t convinced that she needed to get married, but she eventually found love and tied the knot with Hackford.She added that they got married only for legal reasons, such as estate planning, and because they felt their families wanted them to exchange vows. As per Mirren, marriage wasn’t to her taste, and she had to meet the right person for it to feel right.
Hackford and Mirren finally got married on New Year’s Eve in 1997, which was also Hackford’s birthday. The two joked that they spent their wedding night in a supposedly haunted castle in Scotland. It was only later that Mirren realized that the lights she saw weren’t a ghost but lights of cars from the road.Apart from their romantic partnership, the couple work together and support each other’s careers. In 2010, they worked together on the film “Love Ranch.” Hackford also accompanied Mirren to the 79th Academy Awards in 2007, where the actress earned her first Oscar for her role in “The Queen.”
In 2015, Hackford was by Mirren’s side at the Tony Awards, where she was given a trophy for her role in the play “The Audience.” The couple look forward to collaborating again in the film called “Sniff,” which will star Al Pacino, Morgan Freeman, and Danny DeVito.
Mirren and Hackford have also been together during tough times. The two shared a joint statement when Hackford’s son Rio died in April 2022, aged 51, after a battle with uveal melanoma, a rare cancer.The power couple is a testament to true love that has lasted decades. They still spend time with each other and speak lovingly about one another even after years of marriage. Mirren and Hackford also firmly believe they will be together forever.