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 retired English actress celebrated for her extensive and versatile career spanning seven decades in both stage and screen productions. Recognized as one of Britain's foremost actresses, she has received numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, multiple Golden Globe Awards, British Academy Television Awards, British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), and Olivier Awards, solidifying her status as a theatrical and cinematic icon.

Sections (4)

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

February 1971: Married Michael Williams

In February 1971, Judi Dench married actor Michael Williams at St Mary's Church, Hampstead.

1972: Birth of daughter Finty Williams

In 1972, Judi Dench and Michael Williams had their only child, a daughter named Finty Williams, who later became an actress.

1985: President of Questors Theatre

Since 1985, Judi Dench has served as the president of Questors Theatre, Ealing.

January 2001: Death of Michael Williams and Start of Filming for 'The Shipping News'

In January 2001, Judi Dench's husband, Michael Williams, passed away due to lung cancer. Shortly after the funeral, Dench began production on the film 'The Shipping News' in Newfoundland, Canada.

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2001: Death of Michael Williams

In 2001, Judi Dench's husband, Michael Williams, passed away due to lung cancer.

2006: Became president of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

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

July 2010: Awarded honorary degree by Nottingham Trent University

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

2010: Began relationship with David Mills

In 2010, Judi Dench started a relationship with David Mills, a conservationist.

2010: Ovingdean Hall School Closed

In 2010, Ovingdean Hall School, where Judi Dench was a patron, closed.

January 2011: Became patron of The Dr Hadwen Trust

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

2011: Urged policy-makers to decriminalise drug use

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

March 2012: Became honorary patron of Everton in the Community

On March 19, 2012, Judi Dench was announced as the honorary patron of Everton in the Community, the charity associated with the Liverpool-based football team, Everton.

2012: Became honorary patron of Everton charity branch

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

2012: Discussed macular degeneration

In early 2012, Judi Dench discussed her macular degeneration, specifying that she has one "dry" eye and one "wet" eye, and that she receives treatment for it through injections. She also mentioned needing help with reading scripts.

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.

2013: Discussed her faith

In 2013, Judi Dench discussed her Quaker faith, emphasizing its importance in her life.

2013: Underwent knee surgery

In 2013, Judi Dench underwent knee surgery and recovered successfully.

2014: Criticized prejudice against older actresses

In 2014, Judi Dench voiced her strong disapproval of the prejudice against older actresses in the movie industry, emphasizing her desire to continue working and challenging age-related limitations.

2014: Signed open letter regarding Scottish referendum

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

2014: Discussed finding love again

In a 2014 interview with The Times magazine, Judi Dench talked about finding love again with David Mills and how unexpected it was.

2017: Appeared on Debrett's list of most influential people in the UK

In 2017, Judi Dench, as a high-profile actress, was included in Debrett's list of the most influential people in the UK.

May 2020: British Vogue Cover

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

July 2022: Patron of Shakespeare North

In July 2022, Judi Dench became a patron of Shakespeare North, a cultural and educational venue 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: Criticized The Crown

In 2022, Judi Dench wrote an opinion piece for The Times criticizing the Netflix show The Crown for "crude sensationalism" and potentially misleading non-British viewers.

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2023: Rode in King Charles III's Royal Ascot Procession

In 2023, Judi Dench and her partner David Mills were invited to ride in King Charles III's Royal Ascot Procession.

2024: First Female Members of the Garrick Club

In 2024, Judi Dench and Siân Phillips became the first female members of the Garrick Club.

2024: Reported Deterioration of Eyesight

In 2024, reports indicated that Judi Dench's eyesight had worsened, leading to her effective retirement from acting and making it difficult for her to go out alone, though she still desires to work.