Helen Mirren’s Surprise Wedding to Taylor Hackford

A Look at Taylor Hackford, the Husband of Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford have been a prominent couple in Hollywood for over two decades. Their relationship has endured for 27 years, marked by mutual success and a shared passion for the film industry. Both are Oscar winners, and their careers have spanned numerous iconic movies and television projects. Their partnership has also been visible on the red carpet, where they often appear together.

For those curious about Helen Mirren’s husband, here are five key facts that highlight his life and career:

1. He’s an Academy Award Winner

Taylor Hackford made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for Teenage Father in 1979. This film explored the challenges faced by a 17-year-old boy dealing with unexpected fatherhood and the complexities of teenage pregnancy. Following this achievement, Hackford directed several acclaimed films, including An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Dolores Claibourne (1995), The Devil’s Advocate (1997), Proof of Life (2000), and Ray (2004). His work on Ray earned him nominations for both Best Director and Best Picture.

2. He Was President of the Directors Guild of America

In 2009, Hackford was elected president of the Directors Guild of America. He was re-elected for a second term in 2011. During his tenure, one of his primary goals was to advocate for stronger government action against Internet piracy. His leadership played a significant role in shaping policies that protected the interests of directors in the evolving digital landscape.

3. He Has Been Married Three Times

Hackford’s journey to marriage had its ups and downs. His first marriage was to Georgie Lowres in 1967, and they had a child named Rio before divorcing in 1972. In 1977, he married Lynne Littman, and they had a son, Alexander, born in 1979. The couple divorced in 1987. It wasn’t until 1997 that he found lasting happiness with Helen Mirren.

Mirren has shared her thoughts on the secret to their long-lasting marriage. “My theory has always been that this is why we’re still together: because we’ve spent so much time apart, we’re always pleased to see each other,” she said in a 2022 interview.

4. Their First Meeting Was Far From Ideal

Hackford and Mirren met in 1985 on the set of White Nights, where he was directing her. However, their initial encounter was anything but romantic. Hackford was late to her audition, and Mirren was frustrated by the delay. “It was a strange way to meet Helen, because she is a lovely person,” Hackford later admitted, “but she didn’t hold back her fury.”

Despite the rocky start, Hackford eventually won Mirren over. She once remarked that they got married not out of love, but more for practical reasons such as estate planning and family expectations. “We got married, ultimately, for legal reasons more than anything else,” she told AARP Magazine in 2016. “I just had to meet the right turnip.”

5. He Never Watches His Own Movies

While it’s common for actors to avoid watching themselves on screen, it’s less typical for directors to do the same. For Hackford, once a film is completed, he moves on without looking back. “When I finish a film, I put it away and I never look at it again,” he said in 2005. “Occasionally I do now because of the DVDs and the commentary tracks. I usually put it aside and go onto the next.”