Dame Judi Dench found herself overwhelmed with emotion during the Cheltenham Literature Festival as she spoke candidly about her grief following the death of her long-time friend, fellow dame, and revered actress Dame Maggie Smith. The two icons of British cinema and theater had forged a decades-long bond beginning from their time on the London theatre scene.
At the festival, Dench was engaged in a special talk with interviewer Brendan O'Hea, aiming to celebrate her illustrious career and discuss her latest book. The atmosphere, initially light-hearted and filled with anecdotes, shifted dramatically when O'Hea brought up the recent passing of Smith at the age of 89, as well as the death of another close friend, actress Barbara Leigh-Hunt.
Dench, known for her depth of emotion and powerful performances on stage and screen, was unable to contain her tears as she began to speak of her loss. When asked how she described grief by comparing it to petrol, Dench hesitantly shared, "I suppose because the energy that's created by grief..." before her voice broke, leaving her struggling to articulate the depths of her sorrow. It was clear to those present how deeply the losses affected her.
The close friendship between Dench and Smith blossomed in the 1950s, when both were budding talents at the Old Vic theater. Their paths intertwined through various projects, leading to collaborations on notable films such as A Room with a View, Tea with Mussolini, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and numerous stage productions. Their shared experiences solidified their connection over the decades.
Just as the conversation was turning to the fond memories they shared, Dench requested to pivot away from the topic of grief, remarking, "It's tricky. It's tricky," accentuating the difficulty she faced when discussing her losses. O'Hea, sensitive to Dench's state, allowed her to change course and focus on other subjects, like the sentimental trees she plants at her home, which serve as living memorials to her loved ones.
Dame Maggie Smith, now celebrated as one of the giants of British theatre and film, was honored following her death, with tributes flowing from friends and fans alike. Her versatile career included iconic roles from the Harry Potter films to the beloved drama Downton Abbey. Throughout her career, she garnered numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and multiple BAFTA Awards, cementing her status as one of the preeminent actresses of her generation.
Smith passed away peacefully on September 27, just weeks prior to the festival. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, confirmed her death with great sadness and gratitude for the outpouring of support during this trying time. It was during those final moments, surrounded by loved ones, where Smith's legacy continued to shine, igniting memories of the brilliant performances she brought to life on stage and screen.
Dench, who at 89 has continued to inspire audiences, reflected on the significance of their friendship and the support they provided to each other throughout their lives. At the festival, she punctuated the complex nature of grief, healing, and remembrance, which filled the air with palpable emotion. Beyond the stage, their connection served to illuminate the bonds formed through art, and how those relationships endure, even through loss.
Both actresses have created cherished memories not just for each other, but for their audiences, intertwining their artistic paths over the years. From their sincere laughter shared off-stage to the emotional performances displayed on-screen, their friendship exemplifies the deep ties friendships can forge through shared experiences and creativity. This latest chapter may be marked by grief, but it also celebrates the extraordinary lives they led and the impact they had on the theatrical and cinematic landscapes.
Judi Dench's poignant tears are not just for the friend she has lost, but for the vibrant legacy of laughter, kindness, and artistry they created together. Their bond remains unbroken, woven deeply through the fabric of their lives, bridging together the joy of their memories and the sorrow of their separation. Through Dench's heartfelt expression of grief, she reminds us all of the enduring power of friendship and the legacies left behind by those we cherish most.