Why do you think Hellen Mirren never had children?

Question

On 60 Minutes last night she says that she has "freedom" because she didn't have children. I think that's a cope out. Children only demand that your freedom is limited when they are small which is a relatively short time period. I think that Hellen was perhaps afraid she wouldn't make a good mother. I think she should have answered the question more honestly. My parents NEVER stopped anything they wanted to do because they had me. That's part of my problem-not feeling important or considered. So do you believe Hellen that she didn't have children because they limited her freedom? I really find this crazy. Most Hollywood actresses simply hire someone in to care for their children. If Hellen had said she wouldn't have had the time to parent them as she wanted to I'd accept that but the freedom BS is well BS. What do you think?

I really like her as an actress I saw & loved "The Comfort of Strangers," "The Cook, The Theif, His Wife & Her Lover" I just found her answer "freedom" being the reason she didn't have children odd. I totally respect her decision and quite frankly wish more people would NOT have children. Most of the societal problems we have are due to people's lack of child rearing skills.

Answer 1

Did she say that she didn't have children BECAUSE she wanted freedom, or did she just say that she has freedom SINCE she has no children? There's a big difference.

There could be any number of reasons as to why she has no children. Perhaps it just didn't happen. Perhaps her career was going along really well when she was in the prime child-bearing age range and she had lots of jobs lined up. There could be so many reasons.

Anyway, I don't think it's anybody's business. Not mine anyway. She doesn't OWE anybody any answers. Her personal life should be her own, IMO.

I really like Helen Mirren.



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Answer 2

Some people simply don't want children. It is usually because they are committed to a demanding career or they don't want their lives to change in some way. Some people are very realistic and decide there is no way they can devote the time and money it takes to raise a child. I am not one of those people as I enjoy life, but I couldn't imagine it without my little ones. While I feel that my husband and I live happy, eventful lives, there are a few sacrifices. It takes time and money to raise a child. You can't simply go out to a bar or a spontaneous run to the pancake house at 2 in the morning. Children have to be on a loose but consistent schedule, so you have to operate around that schedule. Going out to eat isn't as simple with kids. With that said, these sacrifices are so worth it -- to me. However, I know people who have no interest in having children and I respect their decision.

I didn't see that interview but I did see The Queen and I know she is one phenomenal actress! I'm sure she is quite devoted to her career and let's face it, it would be hard to be away for several months filming while your little ones are being cared for mostly by nannies. Being a prominent actor or actress is more than a full time job.

Maybe she meant freedom from emotions or attachments. Being a parent invokes incredibly strong emotions and you have no idea how in love with that little one you are going to be until you have it. You're in the middle of filming a difficult scene in the middle of the Sahara and all you can think and worry about is your little one being cared for by someone else.

I don't think people who really want kids will be discouraged by Helen Mirren's comment. I agree with you in that having kids is not enslaving oneself to little dictators (okay, maybe the first few months). In my opinion, kids are awesome but we have to accept that not everyone feels that way and respect their opinion. It is unfortunate that someone classy like Helen Mirren has no interest in procreating while some of the sleaziest of celebs are mating with men of questionable species and letting the poor little ones sit in the driver's seat to get coffee (no names mentioned here).

Answer 3

Maybe she couldn't or didn't want to. She said she doesn't regret it. And that was her personal decision. I'm not hatin'. If she was meant to be a mother, she would have had them. Not everyone is meant to have kids.