Dame Judi Dench: A Life on Stage and Screen

Dame Judi Dench is a celebrated British actress whose professional career has reached across seven decades on the stage and screen. Originally finding success in Shakespearean theater and television comedies like As Time Goes By, she achieved immense global fame through her recurring role as M in the James Bond franchise. Her extensive list of accolades includes an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I, alongside numerous BAFTAs, Tony Awards, and Olivier Awards. Beyond her artistic achievements, she is recognized as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire and is involved in a wide range of charitable and political advocacy efforts. Despite facing significant challenges with macular degeneration, she has remained an active and influential figure in the performing arts well into her nineties. This comprehensive biography highlights her transition from a set design student to one of the most respected and versatile performers in modern history.