There’s no denying that Dame Judi Dench is an icon. From her unforgettable performances on stage and screen to her inspiring personal life, there’s so much to admire about this legendary actress. Here are five fascinating facts about her life, passions, and quirks that you might not know. Let’s dive in!
Hollywood Once Told Her She Wasn’t Movie Material
Can you believe it? The woman who has won an Academy Award and two Golden Globes was once told she shouldn’t pursue acting because of her "wrong face." Back in the early days of her career, a prominent director advised her against making films. But Judi Dench? She didn’t listen. Instead, she forged ahead with determination and resilience, eventually starring in over 60 films. That’s what I call proving them wrong!
Her Marriage Was Filled with Laughter and Love
At 90 years old, Judi Dench reflects fondly on her 30-year marriage to the late British actor Michael Williams. In an interview with the Daily Express, she shared how much laughter filled their life together. “Michael used to laugh, and when he laughed, he used to cry,” she recalled with warmth. It’s clear that their bond was built on joy, humor, and deep affection. Their love story is one for the ages.
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Cooking Isn’t Exactly Her Strong Suit
Let’s be honest—everyone can’t be good at everything. For Judi Dench, cooking isn’t exactly her forte. After attempting to prepare lunch for her agent one day, he joked, “Well, Jude, I’ll tell you one thing, you didn’t get your OBE for cooking!” Judi herself admitted, “I hate it—I’m a dreadful cook!” But hey, even legends have their off-skills, right?
...But Gardening? Now That’s Her Thing
If there’s one thing Judi Dench excels at outside of acting, it’s gardening. Over the years, she’s planted more than 100 trees on her six-acre property in Surrey, England. “If you’ve got any room at all, plant a tree,” she advises. “Because it’s a living thing, you can watch it grow and every time you come back to it, the tree will have changed.” To Judi, her trees aren’t just plants—they’re part of her extended family. Talk about nurturing nature!
She’s Not a Fan of Wriggly Creatures
Here’s a fun fact: Dame Judi Dench isn’t too fond of worms or snakes. Why? Well, as a little girl, she had a terrifying experience with a worm that somehow ended up inside her sandal. “We couldn’t get it out,” she recalled, still shaken by the memory. And if you think that’s bad, wait until you hear about the time during a 1987 production of Antony and Cleopatra when a snake used in the play found its way into her wig. “I was so scared I lost my voice for two days!” she confessed. Clearly, wriggly critters aren’t her cup of tea.
