Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Judi Dench

Discover the career path of Judi Dench, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Dame Judi Dench is a highly acclaimed English actress renowned for her versatility across stage, film, and television. Over a career spanning seven decades, she has become recognized as one of Britain's greatest actors. Dench's impressive list of accolades includes an Academy Award, a Tony Award, multiple Golden Globe Awards, British Academy Television Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and Olivier Awards, solidifying her status as a celebrated and influential figure in the world of acting.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1970: Dench appointed OBE

In the 1970 Birthday Honours, Judi Dench was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

1976: Last Performance at Donmar Warehouse

In 1976, Judi Dench had her last performance at the Donmar Warehouse before her return in April to May 2015.

1982: Royal National Theatre

In 1982, Judi Dench played the role of Lady Bracknell at the Royal National Theatre.

1985: Dench becomes president of Questors Theatre

In 1985, Judi Dench became the president of Questors Theatre, Ealing, where the main auditorium is named The Judi Dench Playhouse.

1988: Dench appointed DBE

In the 1988 New Year Honours, Judi Dench was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).

1997: Films in 1997

In 1997, Judi Dench appeared in Roger Spottiswoode's "Tomorrow Never Dies", which was her second film in the James Bond series. She also reteamed with director John Madden to film "Shakespeare in Love".

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1998: Dench wins Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love

In 1998, Judi Dench won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in the romantic comedy "Shakespeare in Love".

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1999: Tony Award and Film Roles

In 1999, Judi Dench won a Tony Award for her performance in "Amy's View" on Broadway. She also co-starred in "Tea with Mussolini" and appeared in the James Bond film, "The World Is Not Enough", where her character M had a larger role.

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2002: Film Roles in 2002

In 2002, Judi Dench starred in "The Importance of Being Earnest" as Lady Bracknell and appeared in "Die Another Day", the twentieth James Bond film, as M. She also voiced Miss Lilly in the animated series "Angelina Ballerina".

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2004: The Chronicles of Riddick

In 2004, Judi Dench appeared in "The Chronicles of Riddick" as Aereon. The movie was a critical and box office failure.

2004: Film and Voice Work in 2004

In 2004, Judi Dench starred in "Ladies in Lavender" and provided her voice for the Disney movie "Home on the Range".

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2005: Pride & Prejudice

In 2005, Judi Dench appeared in "Pride & Prejudice" as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The film was a critical and commercial success.

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2005: Dench appointed CH

In the 2005 Birthday Honours, Judi Dench was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH).

April 2006: West End Stage Return

In April 2006, Judi Dench returned to the West End stage in "Hay Fever".

2006: Casino Royale

In 2006, Judi Dench appeared in Casino Royale, continuing her role as M in the James Bond film series. She also played Mistress Quickly in the RSC's new musical The Merry Wives.

2006: Dench becomes president of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

In 2006, Judi Dench became the president of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, succeeding Sir John Mills.

2006: Notes on a Scandal

In 2006, Judi Dench starred in "Notes on a Scandal".

November 2007: Cranford Series

In November 2007, Judi Dench co-starred in the BBC One series "Cranford" as Miss Matty Jenkyns.

February 2008: Spaceship Earth and York Youth Mysteries

In February 2008, Judi Dench became the voice for the updated Walt Disney World Epcot attraction Spaceship Earth and was named as the first official patron of the York Youth Mysteries 2008.

2008: Quantum of Solace

In 2008, Judi Dench reprised her role as M in "Quantum of Solace".

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2009: Madame de Sade and Rage

In 2009, Judi Dench returned to the West End in "Madame de Sade" and appeared in Sally Potter's experimental film "Rage".

February 2010: A Midsummer Night's Dream

In February 2010, Judi Dench renewed her collaboration with Peter Hall in "A Midsummer Night's Dream", playing Titania as Queen Elizabeth I.

July 2010: Proms Season

In July 2010, Judi Dench performed "Send in the Clowns" at the Royal Albert Hall in honour of Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday.

January 2011: Dench becomes patron of The Dr Hadwen Trust

On January 15, 2011, The Dr Hadwen Trust announced that Judi Dench had become a patron of the trust, joining Joanna Lumley and David Shepherd.

2011: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sequel

In 2011, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" was released, which would later have Judi Dench reprise her role in its sequel, "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" in 2015.

2011: Filming of Indie Short Film Friend Request Pending

In 2011, Judi Dench filmed the indie short film "Friend Request Pending", which later received a wide release in 2012.

2011: Reunion with John Madden for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

In 2011, Judi Dench reunited with director John Madden on the set of the comedy drama "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", which was released the following year.

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2011: Film Roles in 2011

In 2011, Judi Dench starred in "Jane Eyre", "My Week with Marilyn" and "J. Edgar".

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2011: Release of J. Edgar and Cameo Appearances

In 2011, Judi Dench starred in Clint Eastwood's "J. Edgar" as Anna Marie Hoover, receiving mixed reviews. Also in 2011, she made cameo appearances in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "Run for Your Wife".

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2011: Dench urges policy-makers to adopt more progressive drug policies

In 2011, Judi Dench, along with musician Sting and entrepreneur Richard Branson, publicly urged policy-makers to adopt more progressive drug policies by decriminalising drug use.

March 2012: Dench becomes honorary patron of Everton in the Community

On March 19, 2012, it was announced that Judi Dench would become honorary patron of Everton in the Community, the charity branch of Liverpool-based football team Everton.

2012: Release of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

In 2012, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", starring Judi Dench, was released to positive reviews and became a box-office success. Dench received Best Actress nominations at the British Independent Film Awards and Golden Globe Awards for her role.

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2012: Dench becomes honorary patron of Everton in the Community

In 2012, Judi Dench became the honorary patron of Everton in the Community, the charity branch of Liverpool-based football team Everton, of which she is a long-time supporter.

2012: Release of Skyfall and Stars in Shorts

In 2012, Judi Dench's indie short film "Friend Request Pending" received a wide release as part of "Stars in Shorts", and she made her final appearance as M in the James Bond film "Skyfall", which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the James Bond series.

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2013: Starring in Philomena and Venice Film Festival

In 2013, Judi Dench starred in "Philomena", directed by Stephen Frears, and the film was screened at the 70th Venice International Film Festival. She was nominated for many major acting awards, including an Oscar nomination.

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2014: Filming Tulip Fever

In 2014, Judi Dench filmed "Tulip Fever", which was released in 2017 after several delays.

2014: Dench criticizes prejudice against older actresses

In 2014, Judi Dench spoke out against prejudice in the movie industry against older actresses, emphasizing her desire to continue working and challenging age-related stereotypes.

2014: Dench signs open letter regarding Scottish independence referendum

In 2014, Judi Dench was one of 200 celebrities who signed an open letter to the people of Scotland asking them to vote to remain part of the UK in that year's referendum.

May 2015: Performance in The Vote at the Donmar Warehouse

From April to May 2015, Judi Dench starred in "The Vote" at the Donmar Warehouse, marking her first performance at the theatre since 1976. The final performance was broadcast live on More4 on May 2015.

2015: Appearance in Esio Trot

In 2015, Judi Dench appeared opposite Dustin Hoffman in the small-screen adaptation of Roald Dahl's "Esio Trot", which was broadcast on BBC One on New Year's Day.

2016: Olivier Award and Other Roles

In 2016, Judi Dench won Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Olivier Awards for "The Winter's Tale". She also co-starred in "The Hollow Crown" and "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children".

2017: Release of Tulip Fever and Victoria & Abdul

In 2017, Judi Dench starred in "Tulip Fever", which earned negative reviews, and she headlined "Victoria & Abdul", receiving praise and a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.

2017: Release of Murder on the Orient Express

In 2017, Judi Dench starred in Kenneth Branagh's "Murder on the Orient Express", receiving mixed reviews despite praise for the cast's performances.

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2018: Roles in Red Joan, All Is True, and Nothing Like a Dame

In 2018, Judi Dench starred in "Red Joan", "All Is True", and appeared in the documentary "Nothing Like a Dame", receiving mixed to rave reviews for her performances.

2019: Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure and Cats

In 2019, Judi Dench presented "Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure" and starred in the film adaptation of "Cats", which received overwhelmingly negative reviews.

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2020: Roles in Artemis Fowl, Six Minutes to Midnight, and Blithe Spirit

In 2020, Judi Dench appeared in "Artemis Fowl", "Six Minutes to Midnight", and "Blithe Spirit", receiving generally mixed to negative reviews for these films.

October 2021: Casting in Allelujah

In October 2021, Judi Dench joined the cast of "Allelujah", a film adaptation of Alan Bennett's play.

2022: Shakespeare North playhouse completion

In 2022, the Shakespeare North playhouse project in Prescot, near Liverpool, where Judi Dench is a patron, was completed.

January 2023: Dench sings in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends concert

In January 2023, Judi Dench performed "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music at the BBC concert, Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends.

March 2023: Dench to appear at Edinburgh Festival Fringe

In March 2023, Judi Dench announced that she would appear in a one-off show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, discussing her life and career with Gyles Brandreth, singing, and performing excerpts from her past works. The show was to be titled I Remember It Well: Judi Dench in Conversation with Gyles Brandreth.