Judi Dench is an English actress.
Biography[]
Born in Heworth, York, Dench originally trained as a set designer before following her brother Jeff into acting, studying at the Central School of Speech and Drama and making her professional debut in Hamlet, playing Ophelia. She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1961 and made her film debut two years later.
Whilst her most praised performances were on stage, Dench became known in later years for her role as M in the James Bond series, one of several no-nonsense figures of authority she would become recognised for playing. Despite this, she could also be found in comedies such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and ultimately received a knighthood for her services to acting.
Singing[]
In her varied career, Dench has only sung on occasion, singing the theme in A Fine Romance and fragments of standards in As Time Goes By.
She sang more prominently on stage, despite being incredibly nervous, enjoying a long run as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, starring in the original production of The Good Companions, the revival of A Little Night Music, and being offered the role of Grizabella in Cats, only backing out due to an injury. She also sang a key supporting role in the film Nine, playing costume designer Liliane le Fleur.
Film[]
Nine (2009)[]
- Folies Bergerès (contains solo lines)
Television[]
A Fine Romance (1981)[]
- A Fine Romance (solo)
As Time Goes By (1993)[]
- Walkin' My Baby Back Home (solo)
- Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head (solo)
Stage[]
Cabaret (1968)[]
- Don't Tell Me (contains solo lines)
- Mein Herr (solo)
- Perfectly Marvellous (duet)
- Maybe This Time (solo)
- Cabaret (solo)
- Finale Ultimo (contains solo lines)
The Good Companions (1974)(originated the role)[]
- Fancy Free (solo)
- Dance of Life (solo)
- Darkest Before the Dawn (solo)
The Comedy of Errors (1976)(originated the role)[]
A Little Night Music (1995)[]
- The Glamorous Life (contains solo lines)
- You Must Meet My Wife (duet)
- Send in the Clowns (solo)
- Send in the Clowns (reprise)(duet)
Merry Wives: The Musical (2006)[]
Albums[]
Cabaret: 1990 Studio Cast (1990)[]
- So What? (solo)
- It Couldn't Please Me More (duet)
- Married (duet)
- What Would You Do? (solo)
- Finale Ultimo
Gallery[]
