Introduction

In an emotional display, Dame Judi Dench broke down in tears while discussing her profound grief over the passing of her dear friend, Dame Maggie Smith. This moment unfolded during her appearance at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, where Judi initially seemed to be in high spirits until fellow actor Brendan O’Hea broached the sensitive topic of grief.

Discussion of Grief

"I know I probably shouldn’t bring this up, but I know the last week has been incredibly tough for you with the loss of your close friends, Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt,” O’Hea mentioned. Leigh-Hunt, who starred alongside Dame Judi in the iconic BBC series *As Time Goes By*, passed away in September at the age of 88.

Judi Dench's Emotional Response

When asked about a previous comment where she likened grief to petrol, Judi started to articulate her thoughts but was quickly overcome with emotion, leading to tears. Maggie Smith, who died last month at age 89, had a long-standing friendship with Dame Judi that began in the 1950s at the Old Vic Theatre in London. Their bond was further exemplified through their numerous collaborations, including appearances in the acclaimed 2018 documentary *Nothing Like a Dame*.

Maggie Smith's Legacy

Maggie Smith's illustrious career spanned over seven decades, characterized by her versatility in roles ranging from Shakespearean classics to modern favorites like the *Harry Potter* series. Many of her young co-stars, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, have publicly paid tribute to her legacy.

Collaboration in Film

The two actresses starred together in the nostalgic film *Ladies in Lavender*, released two decades ago, which showcased the tender story of two Cornish sisters discovering a stranded Polish castaway.

Dame Judi's Ongoing Career

Additionally, Dame Judi, now also 89, made a recent appearance in the 2022 film *Spirited*, a musical Christmas comedy featuring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. Despite her remarkable career, Dame Judi has been candid about her health struggles, particularly dealing with age-related macular degeneration, a condition affecting thousands in the UK. In a documentary interview with Louis Theroux, she expressed her determination to continue performing, saying, "I don’t want to retire. I’m not doing much at the moment because I can’t see. It’s bad."

Conclusion

Judi’s enduring spirit and passion for acting shine through, making her an inspiring figure even amidst personal adversity. The heartfelt moment at the Cheltenham Literature Festival serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connections formed in the world of theater and film, and how those bonds endure even beyond loss.