Judi Olivia Dench is arguably Britain's most respected and versatile actress with roles encompassing stage, TV, and screen.
Judi was born on 9 December, 1934 in York, England. Her parents, Dr. Reginald and Olave Dench, were both enthusiastic amateur actors. Her siblings Peter and Jeffery also acted in local productions.
After attending art school, she studied acting at the 'Central School of Speech and Drama' in London. After graduation, Judi made her stage debut in 1957 as Ophelia in the Liverpool Old Vic's production of Hamlet. A prolific stage career followed, after joining with the 'Royal Shakespeare Company' in 1961. She spent many seasons touring with the National Theatre.
Judi's Film Debut
Judi made her film debut with a supporting role in "The Third Secret" (year 1964). In 1970, Judi was awarded the Order of the British Empire.
Success
It was not until the 1980s that Judi began to make gain recognition with international film audiences. In 1986, she had performed unforgettable part as a meddlesome author Miss Lavish in "A Room with a View". In 1988, she became Dame Judi Dench, honouring her contributions to stage and screen. After a supporting role as 'Mistress Quickly' in Kenneth Branagh's acclaimed 1989 adaptation of Henry V, Dench exchanged the past for the present with her thoroughly modern feminist role as 'M' in "Golden Eye" (year 1995).
In 1997, she earned further international recognition, as well as an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Queen Victoria in "Mrs. Brown". The following year, she did win the Oscar, garnering Best Supporting Actress honours for her portrayal of 'Queen Elizabeth' in the acclaimed Shakespeare in Love.
Judi's supporting role in "Chocolat" (year 2000), earned her another Academy Award nomination. Despite a career in the theatre spanning more than 40 years, she's made numerous television appearances including the BBC's hugely popular comedy series 'As Time Goes By' with Geoffrey Palmer, and A Fine Romance, in which she starred opposite her husband. Judi's husband of almost 30 years, Michael, sadly died of lung cancer on 11 January, 2001. During the same year she turned in two more acclaimed performances a supporting role opposite Kevin Spacey in 'The Shipping News', and a latter day portrayal of celebrated author Iris Murdoch in the biopic Iris.
Honours
- Awarded an honorary DLitt by 'Oxford University' on 28 June, 2000.
- Awarded an honorary Litt.D. from 'Trinity College' on 11 July, 2003.
Awards and Achievements
- Awarded the 'Laurence Olivier Theatre Award' in 1984 for Best Actress in 'A New Play for Pack of Lies'.
- Awarded the 'Laurence Olivier Theatre Award' in 1988 for Best Actress in a New Play for Antony and Cleopatra.
- Awarded the 'Laurence Olivier Theatre Award' in 1996 for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in 'A Little Night Music at the Royal National Theatre Olivier Stage'.
- Awarded the 'Laurence Olivier Theatre Award' in 1996 for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in 'Absolute Hell' at the Royal National Theatre Lyttleton Stage.
- Received the Film Actress Award for her role in "Chocolat" at 'The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards 2002'.
- Presented with The Society's Special Award for her outstanding contribution to British theatre at 'The 2004 Laurence Olivier Awards'.
- She was ranked second in the 2001 Orange Film Survey of 'the greatest British Film Actresses'.
- She received six Oscar nominations. No other actor or actress collected more nominations when older than sixty.
Author Resource:-
Hello, I am John Waltzer. I am a freelance writer. I have published number of article online on Internet. I have written on top actress Judi Dench and movies. Dame Judi Dench is best British Actress.
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