London, July 10 (IANS): Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren says she was intimidated by late actors Lawrence Olivier and John Gielgud when she started her acting career in the 1960s.

The 67-year-old also feels that there was a hierarchy in the profession during those times and she was scared of few actors who were already established in the industry.

"When I came into the acting profession it was quite different, it was quiet hierarchical. You didn't sit at the same table as the leading actor," femalefirst.co.uk quoted Mirren as saying.

"It was coming out of that 1950s period. You know Lawrence Olivier, John Gielgud - these were very, very intimidating and powerful people," she added.

Mirren has gone on to enjoy an incredible career and has won numerous awards for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in "The Queen".

However, she feels that her juniors might feel the same while looking at her.

"There were certain actors when I was young who were quite intimidating. They probably didn't mean to be, and maybe other people now look at me and go, 'Ooh she's scary,' but I really don't want to be or feel I am," she said.