At this year’s Cheltenham Literature Festival, Dame Judi Dench gave a heartfelt and emotional presentation as she reminisced about her late friends, fellow actresses Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt.
Dench, known for her warmth and candid nature, was asked about her recent losses by interviewer Brendan O’Hea, which led to a deeply touching moment on stage.
Memories of Close Friends
As Dench shared personal stories during her appearance, O’Hea brought up the recent passing of her close companions.
“I know the last week has been tricky for you because you lost your great friends Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt,” he said, acknowledging the sensitivity of the subject.
Although Dench hesitated to speak about it initially, the mention of her friends stirred powerful emotions.
Grief and Its Energy
O’Hea also referenced a time when Dench compared grief to petrol, recalling how she had used this analogy while reflecting on the death of her husband, Michael Williams, who passed away in 2001.
“I suppose the energy that’s created by grief…” Dench started to explain before her voice cracked, and she became too emotional to continue.
Tribute to Maggie Smith
The recent passing of Dame Maggie Smith at 89 has left a deep void in the acting community.
Known for her iconic roles in films such as the Harry Potter series and a career that spanned seven decades, Smith had been a cherished friend of Dench since the 1950s.
Their friendship blossomed after meeting backstage at the Old Vic theatre in London.
Reflecting on their bond, Smith once shared, “What I remember mostly about that time, it was the beginning of a friendship, and I remember laughter more than anything in the world.
Judi’s the most tremendous friend. She’s been a huge support and hugely loyal.”
Over the years, the two shared the stage and screen in films like A Room with a View and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Screenwriter Ol Parker recalled how the pair would often have fun together, even swimming in Victorian swimsuits during the filming of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, creating moments of laughter on set.
Remembering Barbara Leigh-Hunt
In addition to Maggie Smith, Dench also recently mourned the loss of another dear friend, Barbara Leigh-Hunt, who passed away last month at 88.
Leigh-Hunt, known for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, had been a close confidante of Dench’s and served as the godmother to her daughter, Finty Williams.
The two actresses worked together on projects such as the BBC sitcom As Time Goes By in the 1990s, strengthening their personal and professional bond over the years.
Planting Trees in Their Memory
Though Dench didn’t speak extensively about her late friends at the festival, she did share one poignant detail with the audience: in her Surrey home, she plants trees in memory of the friends she has lost.
This quiet, personal tribute captures the depth of Dench’s love and respect for those who have touched her life.
What’s next for Dench remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: her connections with those she has loved and lost continue to shape her, both on and off the stage.