10 fun and interesting Judi Dench facts

1. The Actress Who Played Ophelia

In 1957, Judi Dench made her stage debut in the Vic Production Company's production of Shakespeare's "Hamlet", playing the role of Ophelia. She performed with the company for four years, until 1961, and her performance was met with critical acclaim. Dench's portrayal of Ophelia was praised for its subtlety and nuance, and she quickly became a household name in the theatre world.

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2. Judi Dench Sings in 'Cabaret': A Surprising Performance

Although Judi Dench is not typically known for her singing talent, she made a remarkable impression as a singer when she starred in the 1968 musical “Cabaret”. Her performance in the musical earned her critical acclaim and established her as a talented singer.

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3. Iconic Bond Actress

Judi Dench is an iconic actress, best known for her role as “M” in the James Bond franchise. She first appeared as the iconic character in 1995's Golden Eye, starring alongside Pierce Brosnan as the titular 007. Since then, she has reprised the role in six more Bond films, cementing her place in the annals of cinematic history.

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4. Judi Dench in All 6 Bond Films: From Connery to Craig

Judi Dench is an iconic actress who has been a part of the James Bond franchise since 1995. She is the only cast member to have been carried through to the 2006 Daniel Craig-starring Casino Royale, making her the only actor to have appeared in multiple Bond films with different actors in the lead role. Her performance as M in the Bond films has been widely praised, and her presence in the franchise has been a major factor in its success.

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5. Two-time Olivier Award Winner

In 1996, Judi Dench made history by becoming the first performer ever to win two Olivier Awards in the same year. Her outstanding performances in the plays "Absolute Hell" and "A Little Night Music" earned her the prestigious awards, cementing her place in the annals of theatre history.

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6. Judi Dench's Oscar-winning performance in 'Shakespeare in Love'

Judi Dench's performance in the 1998 film "Shakespeare in Love" was nothing short of remarkable. Despite only appearing in four scenes that spanned a total of 8 minutes, Dench's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I was so powerful that she ended up winning an Oscar for it. In fact, her performance was the second-shortest to ever win an Academy Award.

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7. Dame Judi Dench Honored as Dame Commander

In 1988, Judi Dench was honoured with one of the highest accolades in the United Kingdom - a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This prestigious award is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the arts, sciences, public services, or charitable work. Judi Dench has certainly earned her place in the history books, having starred in numerous films, television shows, and theatre productions over the years. Her appointment as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire is a testament to her immense talent and dedication to her craft.

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8. Judi Dench lends her voice to 'Angelina Ballerina'

Judi Dench is renowned for her distinctively rich and husky voice, which she has lent to a variety of narrations and animated characters. Most notably, she has provided the voice-over for the character of Miss Lilly in the beloved animated series “Angelina Ballerina”. Adding to the charm of this series, Dench's daughter Finty plays the titular character of Angelina.

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9. Judi Dench Owns Her Own Horse

Judi Dench is an avid horse rider, and she has taken her passion to the next level by owning a horse of her own. In partnership with her driver, Bryan Agar, Judi owns a horse named Smokey Oakey, and the two of them have been enjoying riding together for many years. Judi is a passionate horse enthusiast, and Smokey Oakey is her pride and joy.

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10. Quaker faith has shaped my life

Judi Dench was raised in the Quaker faith, a Christian religious sect founded by George Fox in the 17th century. Quakers are known for their commitment to peace, equality, and simplicity, and Dench's upbringing was no exception. She was taught to value these principles and to live a life of integrity and respect for others. Dench has said that her Quaker upbringing has had a profound influence on her life and career, and she continues to practice the faith today.