Quotes by Judi Dench

About Judi Dench:

Dame Judith Olivia "Judi" Dench is an English actress and author. Dench made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic Company. Over the following few years she performed in several of Shakespeare's plays in such roles as Ophelia in Hamlet, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. Although most of her work during this period was in theatre, she also branched into film work, and won a BAFTA Award as Most Promising Newcomer. She drew strong reviews for her leading role in the musical Cabaret in 1968.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

I think you should take your job seriously, but not yourself - that is the best combination.

Judi Dench

I was in Yorkshire. We were a family of five and I used to be sent sometimes to get the rations for the week and I was easily able to carry them back. It was like one egg and a tiny bit of tea.

Judi Dench

I think you've got to have your feet planted firmly on the ground, especially in this business, and you must not believe things that are said or written about you, because everything gets out of proportion one way or the other.

Judi Dench

In the theatre you can change things ever so slightly; it's an organic thing. Whereas in film you only have that chance on the day, and you have no control over it at all.

Judi Dench

I'd rather do a part because I want to, not because great things are expected of me.

Judi Dench

It is not good to cross the bridge before you get to it.

Judi Dench

It was good to learn so early. They're not going to be kind to you. You have to do it and get on, and then gulp down and get better.

Judi Dench

Since Michael died I think I've worked constantly. Friends and colleagues are very sustaining. They're the people who get you through it... It's no good to be on your own.

Judi Dench

I love being part of a company, and telling a story.

Judi Dench

Seriously, though, I think I never ceased to be grateful of the fact that I am able to do a job that I really love - I never got over that.

Judi Dench

The theater is the thing I love doing most.

Judi Dench

And then it was working with Bob Hoskins, who I had never worked with before - except radio. It was like being given a wonderful meal - full of the things you love most.

Judi Dench

I'm very conscious that I'm in the minority in that I love what I do. How big is the number of people who are running to work to do a job that they like? And how lucky to be employed at it - how incredibly lucky.

Judi Dench

I don't think anybody can be told how to act. I think you can give advice. But you have to find your own way through it.

Judi Dench

I just feel incredibly lucky to be employed when there are so many actors and actresses who are not employed. That's why, you know, I sometimes feel desperate, in case I'm not going to be cast again.

Judi Dench

Michael died five years ago this January, and the first thing that really struck me about the script was the part about her peeling off from the funeral and just getting into a rowboat and having a real kind of cry where nobody was.

Judi Dench

My husband was actually very keen that I would become a Bond girl.

Judi Dench

Some things you know about, you know what the ingredients are - maybe not all of them. But it's up to you to put in the amount. It's up to the director to nag you until you get it right.

Judi Dench

The more I do, the more frightened I get. But that is essential. Otherwise why would I go on doing it?

Judi Dench

I am so thrilled to be nominated for something I loved working on every single day.

Judi Dench

Author Bio

  • NameJudi Dench
  • DescriptionEnglish film, stage and television actress
  • AliasesDame Judi Dench
  • BornDecember 9, 1934
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • ProfessionFilm Actor; Television Actor; Actor; Writer; Voice Actor; Autobiographer
  • AwardsLaurence Olivier Award; Dame Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire; Academy Award For Best Supporting Actress; Praemium Imperiale