There are as many noteworthy British actresses as there are British actors. Below are a two of the best that have been made Dames of the British Empire. An honour bestowed to a select few.
Dame Helen Mirren
With a Russian father and English mother, Dame Helen Mirren was born Ilyena Vasilievna Mironov. Her father later changed their family name. Her success as an actress started in the 1970s, when she won the role of Hermia in 'Midsummer Night's Dream'. She then went on to play numerous movie roles, the most famous / infamous of all being in 'Caligula', a very controversial film of the time due to it's graphic sex and violence content. 'Prime Suspect' saw her rise to fame on the smaller screen. Her uncanny portrayal of the Queen in the movie by the same name, won the distinguished actress an Oscar. She became a dame at the Queen's birthday in 2003 for her contribution to British drama.
Dame Judy Dench
An amazing actress who has enjoyed most of her on screen success in her later years, whilst in her sixties. She had a very fruitful career prior to that as a stage actress and toured with the Royal Shakespeare Company many times. Her introduction to film came in 1964, in the film 'The Third Secret'. Afterwards, it took her only one year to win her first BAFTA award. Since then she has continued to amaze audiences and has been recognised with countless awards including an Oscar, a Golden Globe and no less than nine BAFTAs. In the year 1988, she was recognised for her contributions to the performing arts by being made a Dame of the British Empire.
Dame Helen Mirren
With a Russian father and English mother, Dame Helen Mirren was born Ilyena Vasilievna Mironov. Her father later changed their family name. Her success as an actress started in the 1970s, when she won the role of Hermia in 'Midsummer Night's Dream'. She then went on to play numerous movie roles, the most famous / infamous of all being in 'Caligula', a very controversial film of the time due to it's graphic sex and violence content. 'Prime Suspect' saw her rise to fame on the smaller screen. Her uncanny portrayal of the Queen in the movie by the same name, won the distinguished actress an Oscar. She became a dame at the Queen's birthday in 2003 for her contribution to British drama.
Dame Judy Dench
An amazing actress who has enjoyed most of her on screen success in her later years, whilst in her sixties. She had a very fruitful career prior to that as a stage actress and toured with the Royal Shakespeare Company many times. Her introduction to film came in 1964, in the film 'The Third Secret'. Afterwards, it took her only one year to win her first BAFTA award. Since then she has continued to amaze audiences and has been recognised with countless awards including an Oscar, a Golden Globe and no less than nine BAFTAs. In the year 1988, she was recognised for her contributions to the performing arts by being made a Dame of the British Empire.