Judi Dench

About

Dame Judith Olivia Dench, commonly known as Judi Dench, is a renowned British actress born on December 9, 1934, in York, England. A Central School of Speech and Drama graduate, she made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic Company. Over a career spanning over six decades, Dench has earned critical acclaim for her work in both theater and film. She is perhaps best known for her role as M in the James Bond franchise, which she played from 1995 to 2012. She has been awarded an Oscar, multiple BAFTAs, and a record eight Laurence Olivier Awards for her contributions to the arts. Apart from acting, Dench is also famous for her support of various charities and her public acknowledgement of her fight with macular degeneration.

Associated With

Dame Judi Dench is a revered figure in the entertainment industry with numerous notable associations. She has had a prolific acting career in everything from film to theatre, collaborating with esteemed directors such as Kenneth Branagh and Sam Mendes. She's had recurring roles in major film franchises such as James Bond, where she worked with actors like Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Dench has also been part of ensemble casts in films like "Shakespeare in Love" and "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," working alongside actors such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Maggie Smith. Despite having been widowed since 2001, Dench's most significant personal relationship in the industry was with her late husband, actor Michael Williams. They often appeared on stage together and had a daughter named Finty Williams, who is also an actress. Although not known for dating within the industry later in life, Dench's impactful collaborations and relationships have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

Career Highlights

• Judi Dench begins her acting career with the Old Vic Company, debuting as Ophelia in Hamlet in 1957.
• Judi performs in her first film, The Third Secret. She gradually becomes a popular face on British Television (1964).
• In 1968, Dench earns acclaim for her role in the British film "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Following her early success, in 1971 she wins the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress for her performance in the series "A Fine Romance."
• The actress gains international recognition for her role as 'M' in GoldenEye, marking her first appearance in the James Bond series (1995).
• Judi Dench receives an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in "Shakespeare in Love" (1999).
• Wins Tony Award for her performance in "Amy's View" on Broadway (1999).
• Dench wins the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for "Iris" (2002).
• Gets her first Golden Globe Award for the movie "Mrs. Henderson Presents" (2005).
• Dench earned her sixth Oscar nomination for her role in "Philomena" (2013).
• The actress earns an Olivier Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Cleopatra in "Antony and Cleopatra" (2014).
• Judi becomes a record-breaker with eight Olivier Awards after winning for "The Winter's Tale" (2016).
• Judi Dench stars in her most recent film, "Belfast," earning critical acclaim for her performance (2021).

Notable Awards

• Dame Judi Dench is a highly decorated actress who has won numerous awards over the course of her career, including:
• Academy Award: She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in "Shakespeare in Love" (1998).
• BAFTA Awards: She has won several of these, including Best Actress in a Leading Role for "Mrs. Brown" (1997), "Iris" (2001), "Notes on a Scandal" (2006) and Best Supporting Actress for "A Room with a View" (1985) and "Shakespeare in Love" (1998).
• Golden Globe Awards: She has won awards for her roles in "Mrs. Brown" (1997), "The Last of the Blonde Bombshells" (2000), and "Notes on a Scandal" (2006).
• Tony Awards: She won the Tony for Best Actress in a Play for "Amy's View" (1999).
• Laurence Olivier Awards: She has won numerous Olivier Awards for her stage work, including for "Absolute Hell", "A Little Night Music", and "The Winter's Tale".
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: Won for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role and Outstanding Performance by a Cast for "Shakespeare in Love" (1998).
• It should be also noted that Dame Judi Dench was appointed Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1988 and received a lifetime achievement award at the Berlinale in 2018.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Judi Dench Movie/TV Show?

One of the most popular movies featuring Dame Judi Dench is "Skyfall" released in 2012. In this film, part of the acclaimed James Bond franchise, Dench reprised her role as M, the head of the secret intelligence service. "Skyfall," directed by Sam Mendes, is widely recognized as one of the best James Bond films ever made. It received critical acclaim and was a global box office hit, grossing over $1.1 billion worldwide. Dench's portrayal of M was highly praised, further cementing her status as a beloved star in the franchise.

How Did Judi Dench Get Famous?

Dame Judi Dench got famous for her exceptional work in both theater and film. She started her career on stage performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she became known for her role in productions like "Hamlet" and "Macbeth." Dench gained broader recognition for her television work, particularly in the series "A Fine Romance" and "As Time Goes By." However, her global fame largely comes from her roles in film. She achieved international recognition for her role as M in the "James Bond" franchise, which she began playing in 1995, and has garnered substantial critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for her performance in "Shakespeare in Love." Despite starting her acting career in the 1950s, she continues to remain a highly revered and popular actress.