**Dame Judi Dench Reflects on Life and Career in New Memoir**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/judi-dench-is-it-too-late-to-make-run-for-it-102726-116ec93c1d884607a203490e18c31fe4.jpg)
Dame Judi Dench, a celebrated actress with a career spanning decades, is set to release her memoir, *Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?*, co-authored with long-time collaborator Brendan O’Hea. The book, due for publication on 3 November by St. Martin’s Press, offers an intimate exploration of Dench’s life, her illustrious career, and enduring spirit through both triumphs and tragedies.
At 91 years old, Dench remains an indomitable presence in the performing arts. Her memoir promises to take readers on a journey filled with anecdotes from her expansive career, which includes memorable roles such as M in the James Bond films, Queen Elizabeth I in *Shakespeare in Love,* and a multitude of characters for the Royal Shakespeare Company and London’s West End. Notably, Dench’s playful nature shines through in her storytelling, as she recalls her penchant for pranking her fellow cast members.
In an interview with *PEOPLE*, Dench reflected on her uncanny ability to recall significant events from her youth. “I’ve been amazed at how much I remember from my childhood,” she commented. “Ask me what I did yesterday and I couldn’t tell you, but I can recount in vivid detail what I did over 80 years ago—the holidays, the friendships and the mischief I got up to at school.” Her mischievous spirit as a child involved antics like triggering fire extinguishers and tying classmates to their chairs, leading her to jest that she was fortunate not to have been expelled.
Yet, amid the laughter and fond memories, Dench openly addresses the pain of losing her husband, Michael Williams, who passed away in 2001. “I still miss him. Even now, 25 years on, I imagine he’s going to walk in through the front door,” she shared, evoking a poignant sense of loss that adds depth to her narrative.
The memoir likewise reflects on Dench’s prolific career, which has seen her garner an impressive array of accolades. From an Academy Award to multiple BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Oliviers, her achievements are remarkable. However, she also candidly discusses missed opportunities, including her regret over not playing Cressida in *Troilus and Cressida,* a role she has always found fascinating.
Throughout her career, Dench has had the pleasure of working alongside some of the most revered figures in the entertainment industry. She recounts her awe when meeting Sophia Loren and reflects on the warmth of Robin Williams. The towering presence of Sidney Poitier left her speechless even before he uttered a word: “I was such a fan of his, and there he was, enormously tall and lithe, in a moss-green raincoat,” she reminisces, capturing the effect he had on her.
Considering alternative paths, Dench considers what her life might have been had she not chosen acting. She recalls a youthful ambition to become a stage designer and even an early phase where she contemplated being a fishmonger. Yet, even from a young age, her aspirations were steeped in theatre; her first dream was to be a ballerina, though a wise suggestion from her father led her to question that dream. “When my father pointed out I’d have to retire by the time I was 40, I decided it probably wasn’t for me,” she explained with a hint of humour.
In a world that often seems chaotic, Dench’s memoir promises not just reflections on fame and the arts, but also on love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. With her characteristic wit and warmth, she brings her experiences to life, offering readers not only a glimpse into her world but also insights that resonate universally.
*Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?* is now available for pre-order and is highly anticipated by fans and literary enthusiasts alike. As a significant figure in British theatre and cinema, Dench’s memoir is certain to be a compelling read that captures the essence of an extraordinary life dedicated to the craft of acting. Her spirited narrative is a testament to her enduring influence in a changing world.