Judi Dench

Dame Judith Olivia Dench, CH, DBE, better known as Judi Dench (born on December 9 1934 in North Yorkshire, England), is a British stage, film and television actress. Dame Judi came first in a poll to find Britain's best actress. When she was thirteen, she entered The Mount School in York. Today, she is a patron of Friends' School Saffron Walden.

Theatrical career

In her native country, Dame Judi has developed a reputation as arguably the greatest actress in post-World War II history, primarily through her work in theatre, which has been her main forté throughout her career.

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She received her professional training at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and made her professional debut as Ophelia in Hamlet in Liverpool in 1957. She subsequently spent several seasons in repertory in Oxford and Nottingham. In 1961 she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and made numerous appearances with the company in Stratford and London over the next two decades, winning several best actress awards.

Related Topics:
Central School of Speech and Drama - London - Hamlet - Oxford - Nottingham - 1961 - Royal Shakespeare Company

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Dame Judi has also made numerous appearances in the West End and with the National Theatre in London. She is a multiple winner of the main awards for performances on the London stage, including a record six Laurence Olivier Awards. She has also appeared with success on Broadway in Amy's Room.

Related Topics:
West End - National Theatre - Laurence Olivier Awards

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As she enters her seventies, Dame Judi remains probably the biggest draw on the London stage. She is often compared and contrasted with Dame Maggie Smith, another British actress of the same generation, with whom she has appeared in several movies and on stage in David Hare's two-hander Breath of Life.

Related Topics:
Dame Maggie Smith - David Hare

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