Early Life and Education of Judi Dench: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Judi Dench. From birth to education, explore key events.

Dame Judi Dench is a highly acclaimed and retired English actress recognized as one of Britain's best. Her distinguished career spans seven decades, marked by versatile performances in both stage and screen productions. She has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, multiple Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Olivier Awards, solidifying her status as a significant figure in the world of acting.

Sections (4)

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

1934: Publication of Murder on the Orient Express

In 1934, Agatha Christie's novel "Murder on the Orient Express" was published, which was later adapted into a film starring Judi Dench in 2017.

Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery (Hercule Poirot Mysteries, 10)

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1941: Original Blithe Spirit Play

In 1941, the play "Blithe Spirit" was originally written, which was adapted into a movie that Judi Dench starred in in 2020.

February 1971: Marriage to Michael Williams

In February 1971, Judi Dench married actor Michael Williams at St Mary's Church, Hampstead. They remained married until his death in 2001.

1972: Birth of daughter Finty Williams

In 1972, Judi Dench and Michael Williams's only child, a daughter named Finty Williams, was born. She also became an actress.

1990: Publication of Esio Trot

In 1990, Roald Dahl's children's novel "Esio Trot" was published, which was later adapted into a small-screen adaptation starring Judi Dench in 2015.

January 2001: Death of Michael Williams and film work

In January 2001, Judi Dench's husband, Michael Williams, passed away from lung cancer. Shortly after, Dench began working on the film "The Shipping News" and finished work on "Iris", using the acting as a way to cope with her grief.

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2006: President of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

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

July 2010: Honorary Degree from Nottingham Trent University

On 22 July 2010, Judi Dench received an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from Nottingham Trent University.

2010: Closure of Ovingdean Hall School

In 2010, Ovingdean Hall School, a special school for the deaf and hard of hearing in Brighton where Judi Dench was a patron, closed down.

2010: Relationship with David Mills

Since 2010, Judi Dench has been in a relationship with David Mills, a conservationist.

January 2011: Patron of The Dr Hadwen Trust

On 15 January 2011, The Dr Hadwen Trust announced that Judi Dench had become a patron of the trust.

2011: Filming of Friend Request Pending

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

2011: Dench Reunites with John Madden

In 2011, Judi Dench reunited with director John Madden on the set of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", which was released in 2012.

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2011: Advocated for Drug Policy Reform

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

March 2012: Honorary Patron of Everton in the Community

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

2012: Macular Degeneration Discussion

In early 2012, Judi Dench publicly discussed her macular degeneration, noting that she received treatment with injections into her eye and required assistance with reading scripts.

2012: Honorary Patron of Everton in the Community

Since 2012, Judi Dench has been an honorary patron of Everton in the Community, the charity branch of Everton, reflecting her long-time support for the football club.

March 2013: Listed as one of the fifty best-dressed over-50s by The Guardian

In March 2013, Judi Dench was recognized by The Guardian as one of the fifty best-dressed individuals over 50, highlighting her style and public image.

2013: Knee Surgery

In 2013, Judi Dench underwent knee surgery and recovered successfully, resolving the issue with her knee.

2014: Signed letter regarding Scottish independence referendum

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

2014: Finding Love Again

In a 2014 interview with The Times magazine, Judi Dench shared her surprise at finding love again with David Mills after the death of her husband, Michael Williams, describing it as a gradual and wonderful experience.

September 2015: Guest on Desert Island Discs

On 20 September 2015, Judi Dench was the guest on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs for the third time, in which she revealed that her first acting performance was as a snail.

May 2020: British Vogue Cover

In May 2020, Dench became the oldest British person to be featured on the cover of British Vogue.

July 2022: Patron of Shakespeare North

On 15 July 2022, Judi Dench became a patron of Shakespeare North, a cultural and educational venue that opened in Prescot, near Liverpool.

December 2022: Impromptu performance of ABBA's "Waterloo"

On December 31, 2022, at Hogmanay, Judi Dench joined Sharleen Spiteri for an impromptu performance of ABBA's "Waterloo" at the Fife Arms hotel in Braemar.

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2022: Criticism of The Crown

In a 2022 opinion piece for The Times, Judi Dench criticized the Netflix show The Crown for "crude sensationalism" and potentially misleading non-British viewers, advocating for a disclaimer to clarify its fictional nature.

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