Dame Helen Mirren has revealed the profound sorrow of encountering her stepson’s visage daily after his tragic demise due to a rare form of cancer. The renowned actress, who did not have biological children, assumed the role of stepmother to Taylor Hackford’s two sons from a previous relationship upon their marriage in 1997.

Her stepson, Rio Hackford, succumbed to a rare eye cancer at the age of 51 in 2022. Reflecting on the impact of this loss, Dame Helen shared in an interview with People that she keeps his photo as her phone’s screensaver, keeping his memory alive every day.

Rio’s battle with ocular melanoma, an undetected condition until it was too late, highlighted the importance of regular eye check-ups. Dame Helen emphasized that had Rio undergone routine eye examinations, his condition might have been identified early, potentially saving his life.

Statistics from NHS indicate that less than 1,000 cases of eye cancer are diagnosed annually in the UK, encompassing various types such as eye melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, and retinoblastoma.

Dame Helen and Taylor Hackford’s union began after meeting on the set of White Nights in 1985. Despite her initial lack of maternal instincts, she found joy in her involvement with her husband’s children.

Recently, Dame Helen graced screens in the adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman’s novel. Known for her exceptional performances, she has received Oscar nominations for roles in The Madness of King George, Gosford Park, and The Last Station, ultimately winning for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in 2007.

The esteemed actress, now 80, has collaborated on projects with her husband and is set to appear alongside Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino, and Danny DeVito in Taylor’s upcoming film, Sniff, awaiting a confirmed release date.