Dame Helen Mirren and her Segway outside NOBU

(note the photo will appear in the Directors Guide of America in November. I gave it to them) I first saw her at the DGA Honors with her husband director Taylor Hackford.

After the ceremony, the Afterparty was at NOBU down the street from the DGA theater. Everyone drove the 500 feet to the event except Helen and Betty Thomas from the Hill Street Blues days. At these events, there are security guards, but if the celebrity wants to pose for you, or give you a "graph" there's no problem. I took this photo right after I told her my mother saw The Queen yesterday and said it was wonderful. "Mom believes you should win the Oscar". Dame Helen was slightly embarassed, blushing while thanking me. After the party, another guest decided to allow a few of the attendees a chance to ride his Segway. The first chick, wife of a Soprano star, fell. Then fearless Helen hopped on board. After saying a few words, Helen sped off, I think she's done this before, she didn't need a lesson. (right before she got on the contraption, I told her not to do it, that she would break a hip. She told me she wasn't old enough to break a hip - So funny!!)Helen kept trying to outrun her teacher. It was quite a fun sight. I also shot a 30 second video of the Dame speeding away from the guy on the Segway.