Helen Mirren's Real Life Is Far From That of “The Queen” She Portrays

Helen Mirren may have played “The Queen” on big screen, but in real life, the actress rides the subway and washes her Crocs in the dishwasher.

The Oscar winner, who is currently living in the Big Apple while starring as Queen Elizabeth in the play “The Audience,” stopped by the “Tonight Show” Monday to talk about her new movie “Woman in Gold” and chatted with the host about her adventures traveling on New York City trains.

“It so funny to me that you take the subway,” Fallon said as he pulled out a picture of Mirren who was spotted on the R train. “You seem so posh.”

instagram.com/p/yfqVgpibPf/

“The guy next to me is doing the classic ‘manspreading’ thing,” Mirren groused.

The actress pointed out that the move — a bane of many female subway riders — is not a new concept, men are just finally getting called out on it. 

Mirren also revealed that she is a complete addict when it comes to wearing Crocs, though that wasn’t always the case. The first time she ever saw a pair of the foam clogs she thought they were “absolutely hideous.” It wasn’t until her “The Tempest” co-star Alan Cummings convinced the actress to try a pair, that Mirren had a change of heart.

“Their so comfortable and you can wash them in the dishwasher,” Mirren said.

The “Tonight Show” host could not resist the opportunity to tease the “Prime Suspect” star about the shoes and gifted her with a special pair of Crocs featuring the British flag.

“I love them! Can I try them on right now?” Mirren asked as she proceeded to toss her heels and slip on the clogs.

Fallon praised Mirren on her “proper British accent” before asking if she would sound as posh speaking while sucking on helium. There was only one way to find out.

“Where do you keep your Academy Award?” Fallon asked in a chipmunk-like voice after inhaling a big gulp of helium balloon air.

“I keep my Academy Award on the stairs in my house in London,” Mirren said while trying hard to keep from laughing at the sound of her own voice.

Mirren then suggested that Fallon present her with an award so that she can give an impromptu acceptance speech.

Watch the video above to see who made the thank you list in Dame Helen's faux high-pitched award speech.

Contact Us