At the age of 67, Dame Judi Dench experienced heartbreak when her husband of 30 years, actor Michael Williams, passed away from lung cancer. Dench, a legendary actress with a long list of achievements, including being named a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II, initially swore off remarrying. However, fate had other plans for her, and she found love again later in life.
Dench and Williams first met in 1962 while working in the theater. They were both celebrating the opening nights of their respective plays and instantly connected. Although they started a relationship, they didn’t get married until nine years later. Dench jokingly admitted that Williams had to propose to her twice, with the second proposal taking place on a rainy day in London. Throughout their marriage, they supported each other both personally and professionally, with Williams encouraging Dench to take on iconic roles like her portrayal of Queen Victoria in “Mrs. Brown.”
Tragedy struck the couple when Williams was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1999. Dench left her Broadway role to be with him, but sadly, he passed away two years later at the age of 65. Dench openly shared her grief, acknowledging that losing Williams changed her completely. She described him as an unselfish man who brought laughter and joy into her life.
Despite the pain of losing her soulmate, Dench eventually found love again with conservationist David Mills. They met in 2010 during the filming of a documentary about trees. Their friendship slowly developed into a deep bond, strengthened by their shared sense of humor and passion for wildlife. Dench referred to Mills as a “jolly nice friend” and revealed that they have been together for almost a decade. However, she made it clear that she has no plans to remarry, preferring to enjoy their relationship without the need for labels.
In addition to her love for Mills, Dench has a strong connection with nature. She owns a six-acre property in Surrey, where she has created a secret woodland. Dench sees trees as her extended family, finding solace and peace in their presence. To honor her loved ones who have passed away, she continues the tradition of planting a tree for each of them. This act allows her to keep their memory alive in a beautiful and meaningful way.
Her passion for trees inspired Dench to create the documentary “Judi Dench: My Passion For Trees.” Through this project, she deepened her understanding of these majestic beings and their interconnectedness. Dench now sees forests and trees in a whole new light, recognizing the incredible work that goes on beneath their surface. Her newfound knowledge has forever changed the way she experiences nature.
For Dench and Mills, their love story is a testament to the unexpected surprises that life can bring. They have chosen to maintain separate homes but always make time for one another. Their relationship is founded on laughter, shared interests, and mutual respect. Living life to the fullest, they embrace the joy of being together, no matter their age.
