History of Judi Dench in Timeline
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.
2 hours ago : Rosamund Pike recalls Judi Dench's 'naughty' side, calling her a 'mischief maker'.
Rosamund Pike fondly remembers Judi Dench's playful and 'naughty' behavior on set. Pike considers Dench her favorite co-star, highlighting her mischievous personality and positive impact on their work.
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.
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.
1957: The Prince and the Showgirl starring Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier film released
The Prince and the Showgirl starring Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier was released in 1957.
1970: Appointed OBE
In the 1970 Birthday Honours, Judi Dench was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
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.
1976: Performance at theatre since 1976
In May 2015, Judi Dench played a mother in "The Vote" at the Donmar Warehouse. The appearance marked her first performance at the theatre since 1976.
1982: Book for 1982 musical Nine
Arthur Kopit's book for the 1982 musical Nine inspired by Federico Fellini’s film 8½.
1982: Role in The Importance of Being Earnest
In 1982, Judi Dench played Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest at the Royal National Theatre.
1985: President of Questors Theatre
Since 1985, Judi Dench has been the president of Questors Theatre in Ealing, where the main auditorium is named The Judi Dench Playhouse in her honor.
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.
1997: Films in James Bond series
In 1997, Judi Dench starred in Roger Spottiswoode's "Tomorrow Never Dies", her second film in the James Bond series.
1998: Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love
In 1998, Judi Dench won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the film Shakespeare in Love.
1999: Tony Award and film roles
In 1999, Judi Dench won the Tony Award for her Broadway performance in "Amy's View" and co-starred in Franco Zeffirelli's "Tea with Mussolini". Also in 1999, the James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough" was released, where Dench played a larger role as M.
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.
2001: Death of Michael Williams
In 2001, Michael Williams, Judi Dench's husband, passed away from lung cancer. The couple had been married since February 1971.
2002: Roles in film and animation
In 2002, Judi Dench starred in "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "Die Another Day", marking her fourth appearance as M in the James Bond series. She also lent her voice to Miss Lilly in the animated series "Angelina Ballerina" in 2002.
2003: Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller
Zoë Heller published novel Notes on a Scandal in 2003.
2004: Role in The Chronicles of Riddick
In 2004, Judi Dench appeared in "The Chronicles of Riddick" as Aereon, selected by Vin Diesel. Despite calling the filming fun, the movie was a critical and box office failure.
2004: Role in Ladies in Lavender and Voice Acting
In 2004, Judi Dench starred in "Ladies in Lavender" and voiced a character in Walt Disney's "Home on the Range".
2005: Role in Pride & Prejudice
In 2005, Judi Dench starred as Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Joe Wright's adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice", which became a critical and commercial success.
2005: Appointed CH
In the 2005 Birthday Honours, Judi Dench was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH).
April 2006: Return to West End stage
In April 2006, Judi Dench returned to the West End stage in "Hay Fever".
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.
2006: Casino Royale and the Merry Wives
In 2006, Judi Dench reprised her role as M in "Casino Royale", and she also played Mistress Quickly in the RSC's new musical "The Merry Wives".
2006: Role in Notes on a Scandal
In 2006, Judi Dench starred in "Notes on a Scandal", a drama film based on the novel by Zoë Heller. Her performance was highly praised.
November 2007: Cranford Series
In November 2007, Judi Dench co-starred in the BBC One five-part series Cranford as Miss Matty Jenkyns.
February 2008: Spaceship Earth and York Youth Mysteries
In February 2008, Judi Dench became the narrator for the updated Spaceship Earth attraction at Walt Disney World Epcot and was named the first official patron of the York Youth Mysteries 2008.
2009: West End, Rage, and Nine
In 2009, Judi Dench returned to the West End in "Madame de Sade", appeared in the experimental film "Rage", and starred in the musical film "Nine" as Lilli La Fleur.
February 2010: A Midsummer Night's Dream
In February 2010, Judi Dench renewed her collaboration with Peter Hall in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Rose Theatre, playing Titania as Queen Elizabeth I.
July 2010: Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday
In July 2010, Judi Dench performed "Send in the Clowns" at a concert from the Royal Albert Hall in honor of Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday.
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.
2011: Roles in Jane Eyre, My Week with Marilyn and J. Edgar
In 2011, Judi Dench starred in "Jane Eyre" as Alice Fairfax and "My Week with Marilyn" as Sybil Thorndike.
2011: Sequel to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
In 2011, Judi Dench starred in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" which lead to the sequel "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" being released in 2015.
2011: Release of J. Edgar and Cameo Appearances
In 2011, Judi Dench starred in Clint Eastwood's "J. Edgar" as Anna Marie Hoover, the mother of J. Edgar Hoover. The film received mixed reviews and grossed US$79 million worldwide. Also in 2011, Dench made cameo appearances in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "Run for Your Wife".
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.
2012: Release of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
In 2012, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" was released to positive reviews, becoming a surprise box-office hit and grossing $US134 million worldwide. Judi Dench garnered a Best Actress nod at both the British Independent Film Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
2012: Release of Skyfall and Friend Request Pending
In 2012, Judi Dench made her seventh and final appearance as M in the 23rd James Bond film, "Skyfall". Also in 2012, the indie short film "Friend Request Pending", which Dench filmed in 2011, received a wide release as part of the feature films Stars in Shorts.
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: Starring in Philomena
In 2013, Judi Dench starred in the film "Philomena", directed by Stephen Frears, which was screened at the 70th Venice International Film Festival. Her performance was highly praised, and she received an Oscar nomination.
2013: Knee Surgery
In 2013, Judi Dench underwent knee surgery and recovered successfully, resolving the issue with her knee.
2014: Filming of Tulip Fever
In 2014, Judi Dench filmed Justin Chadwick's "Tulip Fever", which was released in 2017.
2014: Critic of Prejudice Against Older Actresses
In 2014, Judi Dench voiced her strong disapproval of prejudice against older actresses in the movie industry, advocating for opportunities and self-determination regardless of age.
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.
May 2015: Performance in The Vote
In May 2015, Judi Dench played a mother in "The Vote" at the Donmar Warehouse, with her real-life daughter Finty Williams playing her character's daughter. The final performance was broadcast live on More4.
2015: Appearance in Esio Trot Adaptation
In 2015, Judi Dench appeared opposite Dustin Hoffman in Dearbhla Walsh's small-screen adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's novel "Esio Trot". It was broadcast on BBC One on New Year's Day 2015, becoming one of the most-watched programmes of the week.
2016: Best Actress Nomination
In 2016, Judi Dench earned her first Best Actress nomination at the International Emmy Awards for her performance in "Esio Trot".
2016: Olivier Award and Roles in The Hollow Crown and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
In 2016, Judi Dench won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in "The Winter's Tale", making Olivier Award history. She also co-starred in "The Hollow Crown" and "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children", playing Miss Esmeralda Avocet in the latter.
September 2017: Rapping with Lethal Bizzle
In September 2017, Judi Dench was featured in a video rapping with UK Grime MC Lethal Bizzle, promoting his clothing brand Stay Dench.
2017: Release of Tulip Fever and Victoria & Abdul
In 2017, Judi Dench starred in "Tulip Fever" and "Victoria & Abdul", reprising her role as Queen Victoria in the latter. She earned her 12th Golden Globe nomination for her performance in "Victoria & Abdul".
2017: Appeared on Debrett's list of most influential people in the UK
In 2017, Judi Dench, recognized as a high-profile actress in British popular culture, was included in Debrett's list of the most influential people in the UK.
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 "Nothing Like a Dame".
October 1, 2019: Narrator of The EPCOT Experience
On October 1, 2019, Judi Dench became the narrator in the Walt Disney World's EPCOT attraction, The EPCOT Experience.
May 2020: British Vogue Cover
In May 2020, Dench became the oldest British person to be featured on the cover of British Vogue.
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".
October 2021: Joining the cast of Allelujah
In October 2021, Judi Dench was announced to be joining the cast of Allelujah, a film adaptation of Alan Bennett's play.
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.
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.
January 2023: Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends concert
In January 2023, Judi Dench participated in the BBC concert, Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, where she performed "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music.
March 2023: Edinburgh Festival Fringe show announcement
In March 2023, Judi Dench's upcoming appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe was announced. The show, titled I Remember It Well: Judi Dench in Conversation with Gyles Brandreth, would involve her discussing her life and career with Gyles Brandreth, singing, and performing excerpts from her past works.
April 2023: The Divine Judi Dench: Our National Treasure documentary
In April 2023, a Channel 5 documentary titled The Divine Judi Dench: Our National Treasure, focused on Judi Dench, was released.
2023: Royal Ascot Procession Invitation
In 2023, Judi Dench and her partner David Mills were invited to ride in King Charles III's Royal Ascot Procession.
2024: Membership of the Garrick Club
In 2024, Judi Dench and Siân Phillips became the first female members of the Garrick Club.
2024: Deteriorated Eyesight
In 2024, reports indicated that Judi Dench's eyesight had deteriorated to the point where she was effectively retired from acting and unable to go out alone, though she expressed a desire to continue working.
November 2025: Further Eyesight Deterioration
In November 2025, Judi Dench stated during an interview with ITV that her eyesight had worsened, and she was no longer able to see clearly.
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