Judi Dench’s Blunt Response to Hollywood Praise Stuns Peers
Judi Dench, celebrated by stars like Ian McKellen and Kate Winslet, famously rejects flattery, once dismissing McKellen’s glowing words with a sharp retort.
In an industry where applause, glowing reviews, and shiny awards are the lifeblood of most actors, Judi Dench stands out for her refusal to bask in the spotlight of admiration. While many performers thrive on recognition, Dench has never been one to accept compliments without a fight—especially when they come from her closest friends and fellow legends.
Her shelves are lined with trophies, a testament to her status as one of the greatest talents in film and theater. Yet, Dench has always found the adulation that comes with fame a bit hard to swallow. True to her reputation, she’s never shied away from speaking her mind or keeping her colleagues on their toes. Despite her serious dedication to her craft, there’s always been a mischievous spark in her eye, whether she’s playfully tormenting her co-stars or standing her ground in the face of praise.
Unlikely Icon and Reluctant Idol
Given her age, stature, and the affection she inspires, it was almost inevitable that Dench would be elevated to near-mythic status among actors and audiences alike. Her decades-spanning career has made her a revered figure in both cinema and theater circles. There’s even evidence that audiences are so unaccustomed to hearing her use strong language on screen that they’ve filed complaints when she does, raising the question of how they’d react if they overheard some of her more colorful off-screen remarks.
Kate Winslet, herself a powerhouse of talent and accolades, once shared the screen with Dench in 2001’s "Iris." Winslet was so eager for the opportunity that she joked she’d be happy just serving tea in the background if it meant working with Dench. Ian McKellen, another titan of stage and screen, once said,
“one of the great joys of being alive in England in the 21st century is being around when Judi Dench is.”
He went on to say that no matter the role, audiences are instantly captivated by her presence.
Dench’s Unfiltered Take on Compliments
But Dench has never been one to let such praise go unchallenged. She relished the chance to play a villain in "Notes on a Scandal," calling the experience “absolute bliss” and expressing her desire to take on more roles that let her explore her darker side. Unfortunately, those opportunities have been few and far between, perhaps because her reputation precedes her.
When asked about McKellen’s effusive comments, Dench didn’t mince words. She told The Guardian,
“Crap! Crap. He’s talking through a hole in his arse.”
That’s about as clear as it gets. For anyone tempted to declare Dench universally beloved, be warned: she’s not afraid to call out what she sees as empty flattery, no matter who’s offering it.