Helen Mirren, 81, is on a mission to save Italy’s 1,500-year-old olive trees from deadly bacteria

Helen Mirren, 81, is campaigning to protect Italy’s ancient olive trees from Xylella fastidiosa, which has devastated millions of trees since 2013. (Photo: Instagram) Oscar-winning actor Dame Helen Mirren has spent decades entertaining audiences with her performances, but one of her most important missions lies far from the film sets. The 81-year-old actor is fighting to save Italy’s ancient olive trees from a devastating bacterial infection that has wiped out millions of trees and caused billions of euros in economic damage.For nearly a decade, Mirren has been raising awareness about Xylella fastidiosa, an invasive bacterium that has devastated olive groves in southern Italy. Through her initiative, Save the Olives, she hopes to protect trees that have survived for centuries and preserve an important part of Italy’s cultural, environmental and economic heritage.Speaking to PEOPLE, the MobLand star expressed concern over the lack of attention being paid to the crisis. “It's amazing how people want to put on blinkers and pretend it's not happening,” she said.Helen Mirren’s connection to Italy’s olive treesMirren’s fight is deeply personal. In 2007, she and her husband, filmmaker Tay...