Dame Judi Dench opens up about her late husband Michael Williams in a one-off special
Dame Judi Dench becomes visibly moved whilst speaking about her beloved late husband, Michael Williams.
The 91 year old actress welcomes viewers into her stunning countryside residence in the special programme Tea with Judi Dench, accompanied by her dear friend Kenneth Branagh.
Speaking from the comfort of her English garden and residence, the pair reminisce about their personal journeys and professional accomplishments, including their collaborative work over the years.
During a particularly touching moment in the show, Judi and Kenneth, 65, speak about the James Bond star’s departed spouse Michael.
The pair married in 1971 and remained devoted to each other until Michael’s passing just three weeks shy of their pearl wedding anniversary in 2001, when he was 65 years old, reports the Mirror.
He passed away at their family home “surrounded by family and friends”, after a prolonged fight against lung cancer.
Judi and Michael were blessed with one child, daughter Finty Williams, who is now 53 years old. Finty is mother to son Sam Williams, now 28, and Judi maintains a close bond with both her daughter and grandson.
Dame Judi and Michael relocated to a 17th-century property with six acres of land in Wasp Green, Surrey in 1995, where she has now planted a tree in his memory as part of her commemorative woodland on the estate.
Throughout the programme, Judi presents Kenneth with a painted portrait of Michael. Kenneth remarks: “I want to ask you about this painting, Jude, because it’s such a fantastic likeness of the brilliant Mr Michael Williams.”
Judi responds: “Michael and I were married just short of 30 years when he died in 2001. Look at that, Kenneth. I mean, you knew him. That’s so, it’s brilliantly painted”, continuing: “I love it, I really love it.”
The pair then delve into their experiences working alongside Michael, with Judi reflecting on their collaboration in The Merchant of Venice shortly after their wedding. Judi took on the role of Portia whilst Michael portrayed Bassanio.
Meanwhile, Kenneth reminisces about his time working with Michael on the film Henry V, where he embodied King Henry V of England whilst Michael brought to life Michael Williams, a soldier serving in Henry’s army.
The pair then view a scene from the film, which brings tears to Judi’s eyes. Kenneth observes as Judi becomes emotional: “Now that’s a very talented young actor! He had such a tack and he had such a sort of strong and, as it happened, very masculine presence.
“And very, he had that incredible sort of movie star jaw and those piercing eyes. He was a handsome lad, wasn’t he?” to which an emotional Judi responds: “He was.”
Tea with Judi Dench airs 22 December on Sky Arts, Freeview, and streaming service NOW.
