Dame Judi Dench, at the age of 91, continues to captivate audiences not just through her half-century-long acting career but also through her recently released memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, a candid conversation with actor Brendan O’Hea, reports BritPanorama.
In her memoir, Dench expresses discomfort with the title of “national treasure,” which she feels suggests an antiquated status. Instead, she emphasizes a vibrant, dynamic life, offering readers insights into both her personal and professional journey. Through her anecdotes, readers gain practical wisdom on living authentically and creatively.
Reflecting on her career, Dench recounts the challenges faced while performing in A Little Night Music during the 1996 IRA bombing near Canary Wharf. “You just get on with it, don’t you?” she recalls, underscoring her commitment to theatre even amidst turmoil.
The show must go on
Despite a series of misfortunes during that theatrical run, including a serious infection and an injury from a ram, Dench remained focused on her performances. A fellow actor advised her to leave her troubles behind at the stage door, a mantra she has adhered to throughout her career.
Dench’s resilience was further tested during the 2019 film Cats, where she felt uneasy about the treatment of cast members compared to the A-list stars. “I loathe bad manners,” she remarked, advocating for basic courtesies that foster a healthy working environment.
Always be nice
In her younger years, a damning critique from a Hollywood producer about her looks might have deterred others. Dench, however, chose self-confidence over self-doubt, a decision that proved beneficial as she continued to achieve significant recognition in her career.
While she has never been known for her singing voice, Dench has not shied away from performance opportunities that require it. After facing criticism for her vocal quality, she cheekily addressed the comments in the show programme, asserting that her voice has always been this way.
Confound expectations, even your own
In her flexible approach to selecting roles, Dench demonstrated that length of screen time does not equate to impact. Her portrayal of Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love garnered her an Oscar, despite her onscreen presence being less than ten minutes.
Collaborating with Vin Diesel in The Chronicles of Riddick was unexpected for Dench, who was charmed by Diesel’s enthusiasm, marked by a grand gesture of flowers sent prior to their meeting. Her amiable nature allowed for this cross-genre collaboration.
Be receptive to flattery
Dench’s perspective on aging is refreshingly candid. She voices her aversion to the glorification of older age, asserting that it presents challenges rather than rewards. Yet, she maintains that a youthful perspective on life is essential. “I refuse to be beaten by it,” she insists.
In her memoir, Dench encourages readers not to retreat quietly in the face of aging but rather to embrace life fully and defiantly, echoing sentiments from poet W.B. Yeats to “sing louder” as one grows older.
‘Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?’ by Judi Dench is published by Michael Joseph, £25
