Judi Dench Worship! Bowing to Film's Grand Dame, 2013 Oscar Nominee - AARP Beauty & Style
Dame Judi Dench Holds Court
The beloved actress on matrimonial bliss vision loss and the follies of cooking
J.R. Mankoff/August Oscar winner Judi Dench says having an excuse for friends to "come up so close … is lovely." We caught up with the -winning actress, 79, who's nominated again this year for her performance in : On Being a Dame
It's lovely to be a dame. But it doesn't actually make anything different. I don't have to go about curtsying or waving to crowds — nothing like that! Dame Judi Details
* Widow of actor Michael Williams, who died in 2001 * Nominated six times for an Oscar; won once * Has appeared in seven James Bond films * Stands 5 feet 1 inch tall. Lucky Roots
My mother was Irish. When I came to play (in the 2013 film Philomena), I understood her Irishness and also her sense of humor. I recognized that very well. Ties That Bind
If I hadn't been married to Michael, he would have been my best friend. Not taking each other for granted is key. It's the store you put in a marriage. Oscar Buzz
I don't think there are enough Oscars made for all the people who are told, "There'll be an Oscar in this." I think it's good luck if it's mentioned, but you shouldn't pin your hopes too much on it. AARP Members! Giving Back
I'm patron of more than 200 charities. You get a bit of money and think, "That will help donkeys or African children or the tsunami [victims]." I'm very interested in things concerning the blind now, too. What They Know
Mum s the Word
We had always planned to have about six children, Michael and me. Yet we had only one beautiful daughter, an actress. My grandson is 16. Motherhood means everything to me. The whole family getting together — it's the best day you could have. The Eyes Have It
Like millions, I have . My mother had it, too. I don't see as much. I trust my friends to tell me if I have spinach on my tooth or if my makeup is awry. And they know that if they see me, they must come within 8 inches and say, "Look at me, stupid person," and then I'm all right! But, you know, the excuse of having somebody come up so close to you is lovely. Life Offscreen
I have a very nice time seeing friends and having a laugh and playing cards and trying to be better at cooking, which I'm appalling at. Meg Grant is West Coast Editor of AARP The Magazine. Also of Interest br
Visit the for great deals and savings tips Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.