Academy Award winner Helen Mirren brings grit and authenticity to her latest role as Cara Dutton in the record-breaking series "1923," which recently drew over 5.4 million viewers for its second season premiere on Paramount+.
The 79-year-old British actress portrays the matriarch of the Dutton family alongside Harrison Ford in this latest installment of Taylor Sheridan's "Yellowstone" universe. Set in the harsh American frontier of the 1920s, the series aims to present an unvarnished look at a pivotal era.
"It's like the American 'War and Peace,'" Mirren explains. "We're examining the sweeping movements of American history with honesty - showing the racism, violence, brutality, and courage of the time."
Breaking away from idealized portrayals common in classic Westerns, "1923" presents a more realistic vision of frontier life. "This period has been romanticized and whitewashed, especially through the '50s and '60s," notes Mirren.
To embody her character authentically, Mirren attended "Cowboy Camp" where she conquered her fear of horses and mastered driving a horse-drawn buggy. The series also marks a reunion with Ford, her co-star from 1986's "The Mosquito Coast."
"I absolutely adore him," Mirren says of Ford. "His career path and who he is as a person are remarkable to witness."
For Mirren, whose decorated career includes an Oscar for "The Queen" and numerous other accolades, the role of Cara Dutton offers another opportunity to portray a complex female character. "As an actress, you dream of finding roles with agency, passion, and courage," she reflects.
The series particularly showcases the enduring partnership between Cara and Jacob Dutton. "Their relationship has weathered countless challenges. It's powerful to bring that dynamic to screen," Mirren shares.