Helen Mirren's Unexpected Exit from 'Golda' Role Shocks Fans and Sparks Casting Controversy

Helen Mirren. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Helen Mirren, 78, is facing controversy for her portrayal of former Israel Prime Minister Golda Meir in the new biopic Golda. In an interview with the Radio Times, Mirren mentioned that she has played other Jewish roles in the past, but considers the role of Golda Meir to be particularly significant. She also clarified to director Guy Nattiv that she is not Jewish.

Mirren stated that if her casting as Golda was a problem, she would have no issue stepping away from the role. However, Guy reassured her that it was not a problem and expressed his desire for her to play Golda. The film, Golda, was released in U.S. theaters on August 25 and depicts the story of Meir, Israel's first and only Prime Minister, during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Gideon, Meir's grandson, recommended Mirren for the role.

The film's writer, Nicholas Martin, said that discussing Gentiles playing Jews is not helpful. He believes that Helen portrayed Golda authentically, a sentiment that Golda's family and a leading Israeli historian share. As an Israeli director, Nattiv believed that Mirren's casting did not compromise the authenticity of the film. He shared that Mirren had volunteered on a kibbutz at the age of 29, toured the country for five months, and developed a strong connection to Israel.

Mirren is just the most recent in a series of non-Jewish Hollywood celebrities who have faced criticism for playing Jewish characters. Bradley Cooper's upcoming film Maestro, based on the life of Leonard Bernstein, has been accused of antisemitism due to his portrayal of the late composer by wearing a prosthetic nose—a physical characteristic that is often associated with stereotypical depictions of Jewish individuals.

Helen Mirren stars in 'Golda', courtesy of Bleeker Street/YouTube.

In August, Bernstein's children took to X (formerly Twitter) to support Cooper's casting. They released a statement expressing their gratitude for Cooper's involvement in their father's film and his genuine passion for their father's music. They were deeply moved by his dedication and the joy he brought to the project.

Their response read: "It truly saddens us to witness any distorted or misunderstood portrayal of his hard work. Undoubtedly, Leonard Bernstein had a distinctive and prominent nose. Bradley made the conscious decision to enhance this resemblance with makeup, and we fully support his choice. Furthermore, we are confident that our father would have embraced it as well. Any vehement objections concerning this matter appear to be insincere attempts to undermine the achievements of a successful individual – a practice that we have unfortunately witnessed all too frequently targeting our beloved father."

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Helen Mirren