Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is this an official fan club?
A. Yes, authorized on November 25, 1997, by Dame Helen herself.
Q. Who runs the Helen Mirren Appreciation Society?
A. There are over 400 members to date and the web site, mailing lists and other activities are run by the individual members on a volunteer basis. The founder of the HMAS is the late Peter Wright of Sydney, Australia. The group is managed by a group of volunteers including Diane Herzik, Elaine Matlock, and Tracy Thomas, USA, and Nadine Lee, Australia. The website is managed by Ann Powell Groner, Denmark.
The Helen Mirren Appreciation Society has no affiliation with any other organization or group, profit or non-profit.
The Helen Mirren Appreciation Society has no affiliation with any other organization or group, profit or non-profit.
Q. What does the society offer?
A. A variety of opportunities to contact Mirren admirers from all over the world. We offer:
- A comprehensive home on the internet - this site site
- A private discussion forum called MirrenTalk
- Access to rare pictures and videotapes.
- Group excursions to performances by Helen Mirren.
- Access to the private Hidden Room area of this web site.
Q. Who is eligible to join?
A. Anybody with access to the internet and a valid email address is welcome to join. We ask that you accept our code of ethics and that you follow our guidelines to keep conversation pleasant and friendly.
Q. Are there any fees?
A. No. However, donations are welcome and encouraged to help support the cost of running this website. If you enjoy this website please consider helping keep it going. Donate here.
Q. Why do you ask for personal information on the membership form?
The HMAS strives to be an unusually personal, friendly, tolerant, respectful and helpful group. To encourage all of the above, we ask members to use real names rather than handles or avatars. We are real people and many meet in real life and form real friendships. We ask for voluntary personal information - whatever members feel comfortable sharing - because the better we get to know one another, the more fun we have together.
We don't require any personal information that would compromise anyone's safety or security and we will never ask for home address, telephone number or any kind of payment details or other confidential information.
We don't require any personal information that would compromise anyone's safety or security and we will never ask for home address, telephone number or any kind of payment details or other confidential information.
Q. How do I join ?
A. Fill out and send the membership form here. One of our list moderators will respond as promptly as possible.
Q. What is the Hidden Room and why do I need a password to get in?
A. The Hidden Room is a private area of the web site which is for and about the individual members of the HMAS and not available to the general public.
Q. Was Helen Mirren in the film or TV show... (insert title here)?
A. Our filmography is very comprehensive and complete and reflects the best knowledge of the HMAS. If the performance is not listed, Helen Mirren was very likely not involved. If you have better information please let us know by sending an email to film@helenmirren.net.
There has sometimes been confusion about whether or not Helen appeared in the film The Long Goodbye. The answer is no - she was in The Long Good Friday.
There has sometimes been confusion about whether or not Helen appeared in the film The Long Goodbye. The answer is no - she was in The Long Good Friday.
Q. Who sings the music in the film Painted Lady? Is it Helen?
A. No. The singer's name is Jenny Darren. The music does not seem to be available for purchase anywhere. HMAS member Sherie did some investigating and reported the following:
The artist whose voice was dubbed for Helen's singing voice in Painted Lady is named Jenny Darren. When Painted Lady first came out I looked all over for information on her, but found none. Recently, I've found a very nice gentleman who used to be the bass player in her band, and he has informed me that they (The Jenny Darren Band) were signed to Dick James Music in London and he thinks that she probably is still with them. He suggested that I contact them about the Painted Lady music. Anyhow, that's where I currently am in the search. I've managed to locate a couple of Jenny's old LPs (Queen of Fools and Jenny Darren). I think she has a fabulous voice, sort of an Irish Janis Joplin.
Anyone interested in Jenny's music might be interested in her her recordings: Dear Anyone, Jenny Darren Queen of Fools and City Lights
Q. Can you help me contact Helen Mirren?
A. No, we're sorry. Please use the contact information for Ms. Mirren's agent here.
Q. Does Helen Mirren read the guestbook or discussion forum?
A. No. Helen Mirren is, of course, an honorary member of the HMAS but she does not participate. She does not have a password to the members only area or have access to any of the messages on the discussion boards. She does not read the guestbook. She does not send her agents or other representatives to check on things. Please do not use the HMAS group to try to get closer to Helen Mirren.
Q. How timely is this information?
A. This FAQ was last updated 2 Jan 2007.