Judi Dench, with her illustrious seven-decade career, has portrayed nearly every female role in William Shakespeare's plays, from Juliet to Cleopatra. Alongside Brendan O'Hea, a close friend and fellow actor, Dench delves into her deep connection with Shakespeare in their joint book, "Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent."
The title of the book pays homage to how Dench and her late husband humorously referred to Shakespeare.
During the pandemic, while isolating at her residence outside London, Dench received a pivotal call from O'Hea that laid the foundation for their collaborative work. O'Hea, also an actor and director, suggested they explore Dench's extensive repertoire of Shakespearean roles.
"We essentially rescued each other, and Shakespeare played a significant role in that," mentioned O'Hea.
The discussions, spanning approximately 120 hours and interspersed with lighthearted banter, revisited Dench's remarkable stage journey, including her debut as Ophelia in "Hamlet" at the Old Vic at the tender age of 22.
Following her portrayal of Ophelia, Dench took on a role in Henry V. She fondly recalled how her co-star, Laurence Harvey, had expected her to be taller, resulting in some on-stage hurdles.
"I kept trying to catch his eye," Dench shared as she humorously stretched her neck. "But it was to no avail."
Some of her now legendary Shakespearean performances have been captured on camera, although she confesses to rarely viewing them due to her discerning eye.
Dench's foray into the world of cinema was not a simple one. Despite being told by a director that she didn't have the right face for film, she later gained worldwide recognition as M in the James Bond series starting in 1995, solidifying her status as a global icon. Her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in "Shakespeare in Love" won her an Academy Award.
Approaching her 90th birthday in December, Dench continues to savor every moment, as evidenced by her choice to get her first tattoo on her 81st birthday. The tattoo reads "carpe diem," which translates to "seize the day" in Latin — or, as Dench personally prefers, "savor the day."
