Helen Mirren regrets that Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain never saw GPS

Helen Mirren reflects on getting older, especially all the things she’s grateful for in her life.

In a recent interview on Standard‘s Podcast “Brave New World” with Evgeny Lebedev Golda The star told what it’s like to be 79 years old.

“You’ve moved on in life and you’re at the other end of your life,” she told the host. “You’re in a place you never dreamed you’d ever reach when you’re 20, or 30, or even 40. But the reality is that you will get there—if you’re lucky. And that’s the first thing you realize… that you’re lucky to be (alive). I’m 79 years old and you lose people along the way.”

Queen the star continued: “I always say, ‘It’s so sad that Kurt Cobain died when he did.’ Because he never managed to see the GPS. This is the most wonderful thing – my little blue speck walking down the street. I just find it absolutely magical and incredible.”

The musician and Nirvana frontman was found dead in his home in 1994, just five months after the famous MTV Unplugged live recording. At the time of his death he was 27 years old.

And while she’s a fan of certain technologies, the Oscar-winning actress also expressed her gratitude for experiencing the world before the technological revolution.

“I am not full of youth, but I am full of life. I like this phrase better… And I am so grateful that I lived in a world without technology for quite a long time. I knew a world without technology in a deep and complete sense… Human connections were very different back then,” she continued.

Mirren also spoke about the importance of living life to the fullest at any age in the 39-minute interview.

“I’m 79. I never thought I’d be 79,” she said. “And then you say, ‘Okay, that’s it.’ That’s what 79 is,” you know? And that seems normal. It’s not brilliant. But being 25 wasn’t all that great.”

“So it’s not a question of finding young people at all.” she continued. “It’s about living the life you have as full, positive, enjoyable and challenging as it was when you were younger. It’s just called life.”

Mirren also denied the host’s remark that she was “young at heart.”

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“No, that’s not true. “My spirit matches my age,” she said firmly. “Maybe I’m positive, or maybe I like certain things, or maybe I’m pretty healthy – for now, fortunately. I’m sure things will go wrong very soon. But, you know, this is the reality of my existence. This is not youth.”

Mirren, born in 1945, continues to have a successful career on both screen and stage.

She won an Oscar for her role Queen Elizabeth II in 2007 Queenand has also won three Emmy Awards, five SAG Awards and a Tony Award.