Taylor Hackford and Helen Mirren at the American Cinematheque Awards in in Beverly Hills, California, on Feb. 15, 2024.Photo:Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

aylor Hackford and Helen Mirren attend the 37th Annual American Cinematheque Awards Honoring Helen Mirren, Kevin Goetz And Screen Engine at The Beverly Hilton on February 15, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Taylor Hackfordis getting candid about keeping his relationship withHelen Mirrenstrong.

“When we first met, there was instant passion,” recalled Hackford, 79. “And she’s a very sexy girl and she still is. But the reality is, over a period of time, you start to — you mature.“

He shared that one of the things that keepshis relationship with Mirren, 78, alive is doing things that they love together. This includes renovating houses, even though they sometimes butt heads on design and other elements.

“We have had these great adventures, and I know it sounds strange, with houses,” Hackford said. “We do not hire an architect. We do not hire an interior designer. We, ourselves, design and choose.”

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Taylor Hackford and Helen Mirren at the American Cinematheque Awards in in Beverly Hills, California, on Feb. 15, 2024.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

aylor Hackford and Helen Mirren attend the 37th Annual American Cinematheque Awards Honoring Helen Mirren, Kevin Goetz And Screen Engine at The Beverly Hilton on February 15, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California

“And there are some fights on occasion, because it’s ours,” he continued. “But on the other hand, we always reach consensus. We always end up [agreeing]. And I think that has to do with the relationship. There’s mutual respect and love.”

Hackford said their relationship — which has lasted over 30 years — hasn’t changed that much over the decades and described it as an “interesting” one, since they’re both often working and “not always together.”

“When she’s working and I’m not, I try to visit, but I don’t stay very long … and likewise, when she comes with me,” he said. “And that generosity and lack of, what shall I say, jealousy about, ‘Oh, you’re working, I’m not, not at all.’ We have that. We always have had it.”

“We will continue to have it, but mostly we would like more time together,” the filmmaker added.

Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford at the SAG Awards in Santa Monica, California, on Feb. 27, 2022.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford attend the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards at Barker Hangar on February 27, 2022 in Santa Monica, California

Despite having to be away from each other for work, Hackford noted that he still “always” finds “surprises” in his relationship with Mirren,whom he married in 1997in Scotland.

“She’s just a fantastic person to live with, to have a family with,” the doting husband shared. “Wedon’t have children[together], but I had children and she has nieces and nephews and we are all a very close-knit group and that’s lovely.”

“And she’s one of the most relaxed and completely real people outside of when she’s working,” he added. “And that’s a delight.”

source: people.com