This is a guest post by arts and entertainment blogger Blake Meredith
September 7, 2013 is the 480th birthday of Queen Elizabeth I, also known as Good Queen Bess. From November 17, 1558, until her death on March 24, 1603, Queen Elizabeth I was the queen regnant of England and Ireland. She has been depicted in over 20 films and more than twice that for television. To celebrate the Virgin Queen’s birthday, here is a list of the top 5 actresses that portrayed her.
Helen Mirren
In 2005, HBO aired a miniseries that followed the later years of Elizabeth I’s personal and public lives. Dame Helen Mirren portrayed Good Queen Bess alongside actors Jeremy Irons and Hugh Dancy. The series won three Golden Globes, including Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, and Helen Mirren took home Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, in addition to an Emmy. Mirren’s portrayal made Queen Elizabeth 1 seem entirely human. Although Elizabeth I never married, she was rumored to have had secret relationships and Mirren’s performance is phenomenal.
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett portrayed Queen Elizabeth I in both the 1998 film Elizabeth and the 2007 sequel Elizabeth I: The Golden Age. The first film was praised by critics. Cate Blanchett gives a stunning performance in this dark and lurid account. The film isn’t dry or bland like some historical biopics. It’s an intense movie that contains just the right amount of sex, suspense, and intrigue to keep you on the edge of your seat. Blanchett’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Blanchett returned to the role in the belated sequel. The second film just did not measure up to its predecessor, but Blanchett nevertheless scored an Oscar nomination again. Clearly the film’s struggles had nothing to do with Blanchett’s performance.
Bette Davis
In 1955, Hollywood legend Bette Davis starred as Queen Elizabeth I in The Virgin Queen. This was the second time she took on the female leader as a role. Davis previously portrayed the Queen in the 1939 film, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, which was nominated for 5 Oscars. In both roles Davis stole the show. Her portrayal of the Queen was both entertaining and inspiring. Queen Elizabeth I went through so much in her lifetime, and Bette Davis showed that with grace and class.
Judi Dench
Although it was only a small role in the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love, Dame Judi Dench took on the role of Queen Elizabeth I with such elegance and style. Dench was on screen just about eight minutes, but it was enough to win her very first Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Dench commanded the screen in her eight minutes and her portrayal of a brutish, yet still kindly Queen will not be forgotten.
Glenda Jackson
In the 1971 film, Mary Queen of Scots, Glenda Jackson plays the cousin to Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I. The film was nominated for 5 Oscars. Glenda Jackson’s portrayal of the Queen is up there with some of her most memorable roles. Jackson portrayed a younger Queen Elizabeth I who squares off against her cousin, showing the qualities that made Elizabeth a strong and independent female leader.
