Judi Dench has opened up about the lasting grief she continues to feel over the death of her husband, Michael Williams, more than two decades ago.
In her new memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?, the 91-year-old actress reflects on her marriage, childhood, and decades-long career alongside longtime collaborator Brendan O’Hea.
Judi Dench recalls late husband Michael Williams in new memoir
Dench said revisiting her relationship with Williams proved more difficult than looking back on many other parts of her life.
“I still miss him,” she told People. “Even now, 25 years on, I imagine he’s going to walk in through the front door.”
Williams died in 2001, but Dench’s comments revealed how deeply she still feels his absence.
The Judi Dench memoir also explored considerably lighter moments from her past. She said she surprised herself with how clearly she remembered her childhood, even though recalling more recent events sometimes proved harder.
Dench described herself as mischievous during her school years and remembered setting off fire extinguishers and tying classmates to their chairs.
The memoir also highlights memorable moments from her acting career. Dench looked back on portraying M in the James Bond films, Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love and numerous roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in London’s West End.
Dench also reflected on encounters with performers she admired. Dench remembered feeling starstruck by Sophia Loren and praised Robin Williams for his “sensitivity and understanding.”
Sidney Poitier left an especially strong impression on her. Dench said she became emotional simply seeing him before he even spoke.
At 91, the actress also reflected on roles she never had the chance to play. She singled out Cressida in Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida as one character that continued to intrigue her.
Dench also revealed that she had other career ambitions during her childhood. She once considered becoming a ballerina and later dreamed about stage design.
Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It? is scheduled for release on November 3, 2026.
