LIZ: You waited a long time to marry; you didn’t seem to want to bargain for children. (You got some of Taylor Hackford’s children anyway.) So what’s your view of a late-life wedlock? Is it better to wait?

HELEN: In marriage, like so many things, there are no rules. Certainly it was right for me to wait. It was not a theoretical thing. I simply could not see the point in being married until I married Taylor, and not even then!

I think, however, that the coming together of two people who love each other and want to commit to that is the sweetest of things, and anyone who wants to do that should be able to.

LIZ: In what way are you misunderstood?

HELEN: Hopefully, after my book, not much, as it explains a lot. Maybe people think I am more glamorous than I am, or want to be.

LIZ: Aren’t you now more American than English? You have lived in the United States for many years, being married to the all-American Taylor Hackford. Are you a British citizen still?

HELEN: I am still a British citizen, but resident in the United States. Much of my family now lives and works in the States. My nephew, Simon Mirren, is a successful writer/show runner for network television, and lives in L.A. with his kids, so that is enormously important for me. Also, of course, my stepsons, Alex and Rio, are living and working here. However, there is a corner of my heart that will always be a Brit and a Londoner. Taylor and I have a house in London and think of ourselves as living in both places.

LIZ: Do you follow American politics?

HELEN: I certainly do follow U.S. politics, especially this year when it has become a very exciting issue. This year I will have witnessed firsthand the election of three presidents, two of whom did two terms. I do find it complicated, however, with the "superdelegates," who I had never heard of before today, and the whole ‘redo’ situation.

LIZ: A lot of women of a certain age are identifying with Hillary Clinton’s struggle for the nomination. How about you? What kind of politician could you be?

HELEN: Well, ain’t life extraordinary? Only 10 years ago, it was impossible to think — to imagine — that a Jew could be elected president, let alone a woman or a black. It’s so great; I want them both to be president. Mind you, I really liked John Edwards, too. In a way, we should all get over the excitement of the historical nature of what is about to happen and realize that the incoming president is going to have one helluva battle on his/her hands, to unify the country and bring back a sense of hope, pride, and community. I would be a lousy politician. I can’t remember names!

LIZ: Dame is a mighty grand title in Great Britain, but in America, the word has a Damon Runyon slangy meaning. What do you feel about it? Which one comes closer to describing Helen Mirren? And don’t hesitate to choose the lofty one if it applies.

HELEN: I am much more of an American dame than a British one. For that reason, no one was more surprised than me when I was offered the honor. I still can’t quite believe it and forget about it all the time. It takes me by surprise when I am reminded!

LIZ: I know you grew up in the working class in a family that was actually Russian, and you were even a carnival barker in one of those seaside resorts that are so famous in England. How does this jibe with your reaching the tippy top of your profession?

HELEN: The strange, random patterns that bring you to where you are are impossible to unravel. I think my background helped me question, work hard, and never take anything for granted, which all help towards being at least happy in my profession.