Judi Dench, the celebrated British actress, recently reminisced about her late husband, Michael Williams, during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show. This interview coincided with the promotion of her latest memoir, *Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?*, where she reflects on their life together and the enduring impact of their relationship.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Dame-Judi-Dench-Michael-Williams-London-1999-6d3a830c5a184c32a9202a5acee1aa64.jpg)
Dench, who is now 91, was married to fellow actor Williams for three decades, from 1971 until his passing in 2001 at the age of 65. On the show, she shared a touching tradition that symbolised their love—a rose sent to her weekly by Williams. “He sent me a rose every Friday of our marriage and we were married for thirty years less 10 days,” she revealed to host Graham Norton and the evening’s guests, which included actors Alan Cumming and Nicola Coughlan, as well as musician James Blunt and actor Tramell Tillman.
Michael Williams, who began his professional acting career in the 1960s, had a notable presence on both stage and screen. He gained recognition for his performance in the 1989 film adaptation of *Henry V* and starred alongside Dench in the television series *A Fine Romance*, which aired in the 1980s and showcased the on-screen romance of their characters. Dench fondly recalls their shared daughter, Finty Williams, who has also pursued a career in acting, following in her parents’ footsteps.
During her recent interview, Dench acknowledged the significant role their marriage played in her memoir, expressing that reflecting on Williams’ death was the most difficult aspect of writing the book. “I still miss him,” she admitted, stating that even after 25 years, she still imagines him walking through the front door of their home.
When prompted with the hypothetical scenario of spending one more day with Williams, Dench expressed that it was an impossible question to answer. “How could I see him for only one day, knowing that’s all I had?” she said, adding that just being together, perhaps on a camping holiday in Scotland with their daughter and grandson, would be a cherished experience. “If I saw him again, I wouldn’t be able to let him go,” she added, reflecting the profound love and connection they shared.
Dench’s memoir, *Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?*, has been co-written with her long-time collaborator, theatre director Brendan O’Hea. The book promises to provide readers with an “insightful and humorous” account of her life, encapsulating her remarkable career, her love for comedy, and her deep-seated passion for the natural world.
Available for purchase at booksellers nationwide, Dench’s memoir offers more than just personal anecdotes; it encapsulates the essence of a life well-lived and the enduring memories of love that continue to inspire her. Through her heartfelt reflections, fans of the iconic actress can gain a glimpse into Dench’s personal journey and her cherished memories of Michael Williams.
As Dench continues to navigate her impressive career, her late husband’s memory evidently remains a significant touchstone, shaping not only her artistic pursuits but also her personal life. The legacy of their love serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of connection, even beyond life itself.
About the Author
