Judi Dench: the story on HearLore

Stage Beginnings And Shakespeare

In September 1957, Dench made her first professional stage appearance with the Old Vic Company at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool. She played Ophelia in Hamlet, though a reviewer for the London Evening Standard noted she had talent but needed more technique. She remained with the company for four seasons until 1961, playing roles like Katherine in Henry V during her New York City debut in 1958. The following year she appeared as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, both productions directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Her career expanded when she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in December 1961. She played Anya in The Cherry Orchard at the Aldwych Theatre in London before making her Stratford-upon-Avon debut in April 1962 as Isabella in Measure for Measure. Over the next two decades she spent seasons in repertory with the Playhouse in Nottingham and later with the Playhouse Company in Oxford. In 1968 she drew excellent reviews for her leading role of Sally Bowles in the musical Cabaret at the Palace Theatre. Frank Marcus reviewing for Plays and Players commented that she sang well and projected the title song with great feeling.

When and where was Judi Dench born?

Judi Dench was born in the Heworth area of York on the 9th of December 1934. Her father Reginald Arthur Dench practiced medicine there while her mother Eleanora Olave Jones served as wardrobe mistress at the York Theatre Royal.

What school did Judi Dench attend before becoming an actress?

Dench attended the Mount School which is an independent Quaker secondary school in York. She later applied to the Central School of Speech and Drama where she graduated with four acting prizes including the Gold Medal as Outstanding Student.

Which James Bond film introduced Judi Dench as M?

Producers brought Dench to take over the role of M in GoldenEye released in 1995. The character was reportedly modeled on Dame Stella Rimington who served as head of MI5 between 1992 and 1996, making Dench the first woman to portray M succeeding Robert Brown.

For what performance did Judi Dench win an Academy Award?

Dench won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love released in 1998. The romantic comedy drama depicted a love affair involving playwright William Shakespeare played by Joseph Fiennes while he wrote Romeo and Juliet.

Why has Judi Dench effectively retired from acting?

By 2024 it was reported that her eyesight had deteriorated to the point where she is effectively retired from acting due to macular degeneration. Her eyesight problems prevent her from going out alone though she expressed a desire to continue working in some capacity.

Judi Dench.

Stage Beginnings And Shakespeare

Continue Browsing

Common questions

When and where was Judi Dench born?

What school did Judi Dench attend before becoming an actress?

Which James Bond film introduced Judi Dench as M?

For what performance did Judi Dench win an Academy Award?

Why has Judi Dench effectively retired from acting?

Television Stardom And Sitcoms

The Bond Legacy And M

Oscar Recognition And Queen Elizabeth

Later Years And Effective Retirement