(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Dame Helen Mirren thinks Russell Brands popularity with the opposite sex is due to his genuine interest in them.
The 65-year-old British actress has struck up a strong friendship with comedian-and-actor Russell, 35.
They presented an award together at last weeks Academy Awards, and appear alongside one another in upcoming comedy Arthur, the tale of a wild playboy who falls for a lady his family disapprove of.
Both Helen and Russell have been vocal in their admiration for one another in the past, and Helen knows why Russell is such a hit with the ladies. The star ended his famous womanising ways when he began dating stunning American pop star Katy Perry in 2009 and the pair wed last October. Helen thinks Katy is a lucky lady because Russell understands women and genuinely finds them fascinating.
"The penny dropped for me fairly recently with Russell. The thing about him is he likes women, and not a lot of men do. That's why women like him. He's genuinely interested in us. Women melt in his presence," she told British newspaper The Guardian.
Helen also discussed more serious subjects during the interview, urging youngsters to get involved in politics. She thinks it is fundamental for the youth of today to hold politicians accountable for their actions, and keep a close eye on issues such as the economy.
When you're young, you wonder what all these old people are droning on about, trying to impart their wisdom. It's not relevant to you because being young is such a specific thing. Thank God for that. Thank God for the young people who go out and demonstrate against rampant capitalism or whatever, she explained.
Helen enjoys dishing out tips to the younger generation, although laughed that she sometimes doesnt feel comfortable with her age. She has accepted the ageing process to an extent, but the star admits is can be shocking when you first realise the majority of people are younger than you.
There's a scary moment when you realise you're no longer the youngest person in the room. Especially if you've been a successful young person. That's followed, of course, by the realisation that you're actually the oldest person in the room," laughed the star. (C) Cover Media