How to act like me, by Dame Helen

DAME Helen Mirren is to teach the secrets of her acting success in a series of online classes.

The Oscar-winning thespian, 72, has filmed 25 instructional video lessons for the U.S.based MasterClass site, which will be available from early next year at a cost of £67.50. Among her pearls of wisdom: ‘Never act in front of a mirror — you are doing the exact opposite of what acting is about.

‘Acting is all about what’s happening within you. It doesn’t matter what’s happening on your face.’

Hollywood star Jane Fonda, who — believe it or not — will be 80 this Thursday, has revealed that she thought she would die early. ‘when I was young I never thought I was going to make it past 30,’ she says. ‘But I was wrong. I am still here and I feel very alive. ‘I’ve smoked pot, drunk more than I should and I had a knee replacement, but I am still here, looking to the future.’