Helen Mirren discusses what makes a successful marriage and what she’s learned about love over the course of her 25-year marriage to Taylor Hackford.

The Queen star was asked how her spouse makes her feel attractive in an interview with People Magazine, and she said, “Oh, he doesn’t!”

“He never makes me feel gorgeous, in my opinion. It isn’t required. To be honest, it isn’t why I admire him “The 76-year-old actor said.

“You know, I believe in unconditional appreciation from one’s loved ones,” she said, referring to the Parker director’s admission that he no longer gives her feedback on her performances. I’m not looking for any criticism. And I, too, lavish him with unqualified admiration — more or less. We leave each other to our own devices and go on with our lives.”

“I sat across the table from him every night for six months — something I’ve never done before — and not worry about or even think about work,” the actor added, adding that the time during the COVID 19 epidemic was “important” for her since she got to spend time with Hackford.

She responded, “It’s critical to preserve hobbies and interests,” when asked about the value of doing so “Maintaining your own sense of self-identity is an essential component of love. In some ways, that is the most crucial thing of all: not to be subsumed into someone else. Be who you are in a sincere and genuine way.”

“It’s also important to let the person you love be who they are — even if you don’t always like it,” she said.

Mirren went on to say how much she enjoys their journey together, saying, “You’re always discovering new things about the person you love, who never ceases to amaze you. You find new levels of courage, patience, generosity, and other virtues you didn’t know you had.”