Dame Helen Mirren addresses 'Jewface' controversy as she tackles 'profound ... trends now

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Helen Mirren has spoken out about her decision to portray Golda Meir, the former Prime Minister of Israel, in the 2023 biopic Golda, amid allegations of 'Jewface'.

The veteran English actress, 78, faced backlash for taking on the role alongside Liev Schreiber and Camille Cottin because she is not Jewish.

Mirren told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday although she understands both points of view she is proud of her work in the biographical drama.

'I think the discussion has to be had and there are arguments on both sides. I've been a Mossad agent [in the 2010 movie The Debt]. You don't get much more Jewish than that!' she said.

Mirren looks virtually unrecognisable playing the late Israeli PM in the movie, donning a grey wig and prosthetic nose to get into character.

'I felt like her, honestly. You're laying yourself open to profound criticism. You could blow it terribly' Helen said.

She added she remembers when Meir served as Israel's PM from 1969 - 1974 and drew on her first-hand experience to ensure her performance was authentic. 

'It was the first time a woman had led a country. And I was absolutely excited, blown away. It was like a miracle. It was fantastic.

'Playing the role, I

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