Judi Dench is an English actress widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, a performer whose career has spanned more than six decades and who has won an Academy Award, a Tony Award and ten BAFTA Awards. From her iconic turn as M in the James Bond films to her Oscar-winning performance in Shakespeare in Love and her heartbreaking turn in Philomena, Dench has played everyone from queens and spymasters to mothers and wives, and she has done it with a craft and a warmth that few actors can match.
| Full Name | Judith Olivia Dench |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1934 |
| Age | 91 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Heworth, York, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) |
| Profession | Actress, author |
| Known For | James Bond, Shakespeare in Love, Philomena |
| Husband | Michael Williams (married 1971, died 2001) |
| Children | One, Finty Williams |
| Net Worth | Approx. $45 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Judi Dench?
Judi Dench is an actress who became one of the biggest stars in world cinema and theatre. She first found fame on stage, where she was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, and then on screen with A Room with a View in 1985, in which she played Eleanor Lavish, and with GoldenEye in 1995, in which she first played M, the head of MI6, a role she played in seven James Bond films.
Dench won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Shakespeare in Love in 1998, in which she played Queen Elizabeth I, appearing on screen for only eight minutes, a performance that is widely regarded as one of the greatest in film history. She was also nominated for Mrs Brown, Chocolat, Iris, Mrs Henderson Presents, Notes on a Scandal, Philomena and Belfast.
Early Life & Background
Judith Olivia Dench was born on December 9, 1934, in Heworth, York, England, the daughter of a doctor father, and she grew up in York, where she attended the Mount School. She studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where she graduated in 1957, and then joined the Old Vic Company, where she made her professional debut.
After graduating from Central, Dench joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she appeared in plays including Macbeth, Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and she became known as one of the finest stage actresses of her generation. She also appeared on television, including in the series A Fine Romance, and in film, including in A Room with a View, which made her a star.
She was married to actor Michael Williams from 1971 until his death in 2001, and they have a daughter, Finty Williams, who is also an actress. Since 2010, she has been in a relationship with conservationist David Mills. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1988, and she lives in Surrey.
Career
Dench’s breakthrough came with GoldenEye in 1995, in which she first played M, the head of MI6, opposite Pierce Brosnan. The film was a huge success, and Dench went on to play M in seven James Bond films, including Skyfall in 2012, in which her character dies, a performance that earned her widespread praise.
After GoldenEye, Dench appeared in Shakespeare in Love, Philomena, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Belfast, in which she played Granny, a performance that earned her an Oscar nomination. She also appeared on television in As Time Goes By and Cranford, and she published her memoir And Furthermore in 2010.
Like fellow British screen legend Michael Caine, Dench is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and warmth she brings to every performance. She continues to act and write, and she remains one of the most beloved actresses in cinema and theatre.
Facts About Judi Dench
- Judi Dench won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Shakespeare in Love, appearing on screen for only eight minutes.
- She played M, the head of MI6, in seven James Bond films, from GoldenEye to Skyfall.
- She was born in Heworth, York, England, in 1934, and studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
- She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1988.
- She was married to Michael Williams from 1971 until his death in 2001, and they have a daughter, Finty Williams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Judi Dench?
Judi Dench was born on December 9, 1934, which makes her 91 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Judi Dench?
Judi Dench is 5 feet 1 inch tall (1.55 metres).
Who is Judi Dench married to?
Judi Dench was married to actor Michael Williams from 1971 until his death in 2001. They have a daughter, Finty Williams.
What is Judi Dench’s net worth?
Judi Dench’s net worth is estimated at approximately $45 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth in 2025.
What is Judi Dench best known for?
Judi Dench is best known for playing M in the James Bond films and for Shakespeare in Love and Philomena.
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