Dame Judi Dench has long captured public affection not only for her towering performances across stage and screen, but also for her legendary mischievous streak. Her memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?-compiled through conversations with actor and director Brendan O’Hea-delves deeply into her practical jokes, professional frustrations, and enduring views on the craft of acting.
Published to offer a candid look at her storied career, the book chronicles everything from backstage antics to her more complicated reflections on the changing landscape of live theatre. It also addresses the profound personal challenges she has navigated following the death of her husband, actor Michael Williams, in 2001.
Backstage Antics and On-Set Pranks
Far from conforming to the quiet grace of a traditional acting icon, Dench is widely known among her peers as an unpredictable prankster. Collaborators over the decades have shared numerous tales of her playful disruption. Lesley Manville once recalled nearly losing her composure during a live performance when Dench engaged in unexpected stage business from behind, leaving Manville joking that the veteran actress ought to be locked away.
Even close friends are not immune to her playful boundary-pushing. Michael Pennington, a frequent co-star since the 1970s in productions such as The Way of the World and Filumena, famously found himself on the receiving end of Dench’s retaliation after consuming a heavy amount of garlic right before a romantic scene. Rather than letting the odor slide, Dench made her objections clear, cementing their decades-long dynamic rooted in humor and mischief.
Dench’s irreverent sense of humor extends far beyond the theatre. In her memoir and previous interviews, she has shared stories ranging from youthful pranks with her brothers-such as slipping a dead rat into a strict neighbor’s letterbox-to crafting intricately stitched embroideries with explicit messages to amuse co-stars like Matthew Macfadyen on the set of Pride and Prejudice.
Perspectives on Acting and Live Theatre
Despite her playful nature, Dench approaches her profession with deep instinct and rigorous dedication. Directors who have worked with her, such as Sean Mathias-who directed her in 1995’s A Little Night Music at the National Theatre-describe her as an entirely instinctive performer who relies on feeling and truth rather than over-analysis. Her ability to connect instantly with an audience forms the bedrock of her enduring appeal.
However, her memoir also reflects her anxieties regarding modern shifts in live performance, alongside frank discussions of projects that fell short. Reflecting on the panned 2019 cinematic adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, in which she played Old Deuteronomy, Dench writes about the disappointment of good intentions failing to coalesce, noting the hostility of critics while defending the hard work of those involved.
Resilience Amid Health Challenges
In recent years, age-related macular degeneration has significantly impacted Dench’s ability to read scripts or recognize faces, making traditional stage acting increasingly difficult. Yet, her passion for storytelling remains undiminished. While she grapples with short-term memory challenges, she continues to retain vast swathes of Shakespeare and remains profoundly dedicated to the art form that defined her life.
Whether recounting the trials of learning complex dialogue under David Hare or reflecting on her profound bond with Michael Williams, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? paints a vivid portrait of a performer who remains fiercely protective of her craft while stubbornly refusing to take herself too seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judi Dench
What is Judi Dench’s memoir about?
Her memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, explores her life in theatre through conversations with Brendan O’Hea, detailing her backstage practical jokes, views on acting, career frustrations, and personal memories.
Why has Judi Dench stopped performing on stage?
Due to advancing age-related macular degeneration, which has worsened since 2012, Dench can no longer easily read lines or recognize faces, making demanding stage performances practically impossible.
Who was Judi Dench’s husband?
Dench was married to actor Michael Williams from 1971 until his death from lung cancer in January 2001. The couple frequently worked together on stage and screen, notably starring in the sitcom A Fine Romance.
What are some of Judi Dench’s most famous prank stories?
Dench is legendary for practical jokes on co-stars, including startling Lesley Manville during a live show, reacting strongly to Michael Pennington’s garlic-laden breath before a romantic scene, and stitching explicit messages into needlework projects for fellow cast members.
How many Academy Awards has Judi Dench won?
Dame Judi Dench has won one Academy Award, taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1999 for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love.
