{FOF Woman of The Week} Helen Mirren

FOF names Helen Mirren, 68, the Most Fabulous Woman Over 50!

We started with 64 incredible FOF women, from four categories—acting, singing, writing and the political arena—and asked all of you, over a period of weeks, to vote on your favorites. Helen Mirren and Tina Turner were the last two women standing. Although Tina made it to the end, Helen triumphed with over 75 percent of the final vote. So this week, we’re paying tribute to the Dame and Oscar-winning actress, who’s been blessing the world with her talents for nearly 50 years.

Helen began her acting career as a teenager in school productions and got her big break at age 20, when she was cast as Cleopatra in a production of Antony and Cleopatra at The Old Vic Theater in London. During the last 48 years, she’s brilliantly acted on stage, in the movies and on TV and has won 88 awards and 66 nominations. The only actress ever to play both Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II on screen, she took home awards for both roles.

Besides her acting, Helen is known for her impeccable style and was named one of the 50 best-dressed women over 50 in 2013 by the British newspaper, The Guardian. She’s also one of the models for Marks & Spencer’s Womanism campaign. Known to push style boundaries every now and again, Helen once dyed her hair pink after admiring pink tresses on a cast member of America’s Next Top Model.

Queen Elizabeth II, in 2013, named Helen Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, to recognize the actor’s contributions to the world of performing arts.

Married to American director, Taylor Hackford, since 1997, Helen lived with actor Liam Neeson in the 1980s. She’s never had children and once told an interviewer she doesn’t have “motherly instincts.”

Dame Helen, we all adore you.

[Read: {FOF Woman of The Week} Jan Brewer]

{FOFantasy Bracket} Final 4

After a dramatic Elite 8 round, we’re down to the Final 4—highly-seeded Meryl Streep was sent home, and no more r-e-s-p-e-c-t was given to Aretha Franklin. Helen Mirren, Nora Roberts, Tina Turner, and Hillary Clinton won their respective categories, but the challenge is just beginning. Winners or losers, it’s all in good fun!

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{FOFantasy Bracket} Elite 8

We bid farewell to some fan favorites in the Sweet 16—Judi Dench, Bette Midler, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg are now watching from the sidelines. Hillary Clinton and Queen Elizabeth were neck and neck, but Hillary ultimately scored the win. Alas, we’re down to the Elite 8. Some of the most anticipated games are ahead—Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren are battling, and Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner will have a full house watching their game. Winners or losers, it’s all in good fun!

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{FOFantasy Bracket} Sweet 16

We saw some big losses in Round 2—Helen Mirren crushed Susan Sarandon, Barbra trumped Cher and the jury picked Sandra Day O’Connor over Sarah Palin. But the games must go on! We’re down to the Sweet Sixteen, featuring some heavy hitters, including Meryl Streep and Queen Elizabeth. Winners or losers, it’s all in good fun!

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