Helen Mirren becomes Hollywood royalty

Helen Mirren at the unveiling of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Photo/AP

Helen Mirren has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 67-year-old actress, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen, saw her star unveiled in front of the Pig 'N Whistle, one of Tinseltown's historic pubs, on Hollywood Boulevard.

American playwright David Mamet and US director Jon Turteltaub attended the event.

Mamet just directed Mirren in an as-yet-untitled HBO film about American rock producer Phil Spector, who was sentenced to 19 years in prison in 2009 after being convicted of murdering a one-time actress.

In the film, which co-stars Al Pacino as Spector and is expected to air later this year, Mirren plays the producer's lawyer.

Turteltaub worked with Mirren on National Treasure: Book of Secrets in 2007.

Born in 1945 in the London suburbs, Mirren began her career on stage and was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

She first appeared in films in the 1960s, tackling all genres from historical drama to musical comedy to action.

She took home an Oscar in 2007 for Best Actress for her work in The Queen - a role for which she also won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. Mirren has earned three other Oscar nominations.

Since then, she has appeared in spy thrillers The Debt and Red, and currently stars in Hitchcock as the famed director's wife Alma - a role for which she has again been nominated for a Golden Globe.

On television, she is best known for her work as Detective Jane Tennison on Prime Suspect - a role that has earned her three Emmys.

- AFP