Actress Penelope Wilton on Becoming a Dame
Wilton stars as Queen Elizabeth II in "The BFG," which opens July 1.
— -- Penelope Wilton plays Queen Elizabeth II in the movie adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's book "The BFG" (Big Friendly Giant).
Wilton stopped by "GMA" this morning to discuss playing her majesty and what it was like to be bestowed the noble title of Dame by the queen herself.
"It was rather surreal," Wilton said. "Why would you even go around thinking you're going to be made a Dame? But, I heard about six weeks ago and then you're given a note saying, 'This is completely confidential.' I thought I had dreamt it, really."
"I hope she likes it," Wilton said of the queen's reaction to her portrayal. "Otherwise she might say, 'I'm having second thoughts about the Dame part, I don't know."
"The BFG" is directed by Steven Spielberg. Wilton said she was surprised to learn she'd be working with the movie legend.
"My agent rang me and said, 'Steven Spielberg would like you to be in his film,' and I said, 'You know, that's a sort-of joke at home,'" Wilton said. "People say, 'I can't come out shopping because, you know, Steven Spielberg just called. I'm going to be in his film. I'm really, really lucky at the moment."
"The BFG" opens July 1.
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