Dame Helen Mirren gets Barbie doll treatment complete with mini-Oscar
The 78-year-old actor, who starred as the narrator of Greta Gerwig’s 2023 hit film Barbie, has been immortalised in the Mattel family with her own celebrity doll
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Dame Helen Mirren said she was “absolutely blown away” after being made into a Barbie doll.
The 78-year-old actor, who starred as the narrator of Greta Gerwig’s 2023 hit film Barbie, has been immortalised in the Mattel family with her own celebrity doll.
The one-of-a-kind doll shows the actress, who narrates the recent Barbie film, in the outfit she wore on the red carpet at the Cannes film festival last year: a cornflower blue gown by Del Core and matching blue hair.
Mirren can be seen carrying a blue fan and a miniature Oscars statue, in recognition of the Academy Award she won for The Queen in 2007.
Dame Helen said: “I am absolutely blown away by my Barbie.
“To be chosen by Barbie as a role model is a huge compliment, and something I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams happening to me at this stage in my life.
“It’s a very special thing, and something I can add to my list of my favourite achievements; becoming a Dame of the British Empire, having an Oscar, having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and having my own Barbie.”
She added: “The intricacy and detail of the doll is extraordinary; I love that the Barbie doll is wearing one of my favourite ever red carpet looks, and it was the first time I’d ever had blue hair, and it felt so exciting.
“I like to embrace theatrical fashion and the joy that having fun with fashion can bring, and I think that this joy should be ageless. And the cherry on top of the cake is my doll having a miniature Oscar. It is an absolutely perfect reproduction.”
Dame Helen, 78, has been named a UK role model by Barbie creator Mattel as the brand celebrates female storytellers ahead of the doll’s 65th anniversary on March 9.
She said: “As an actor, after decades of roles; the importance of storytelling to me means telling stories about the whole of humanity, not just stories of youth or one type of story.
“Stories of young people are wonderful because they’re just beginning life, they have energy and I love the fact that young people are constantly challenging what has come before them.
“But you know there are stories to be told about the whole of humanity, and all of our journeys, at all of our different ages in life.”
Dame Helen’s most famous roles include Prime Suspect; The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover; Gosford Park; and Red.
She stars opposite Harrison Ford in the Yellowstone TV spin-off 1923.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.