Dame Judi Dench was moved to tears as she remembered her late husband, actor Michael Williams, during a poignant moment in a new documentary. The 91-year-old Oscar-winner welcomed her long-time friend Sir Kenneth Branagh, 65, into her country home for the intimate television special.
A Heartfelt Conversation and Shared Memories
The programme, titled Tea with Judi, sees the legendary actress opening her 'little black book' of memories. It blends personal stories with rare archive footage to trace her remarkable life and career. Airing on December 22 on Sky Arts, Freeview, and the streaming service NOW, the special features Judi in conversation with several fellow national treasures.
During the filming, Branagh drew attention to a painting of Michael Williams, who was best known for voicing Dr. Watson in the BBC radio adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. "I want to ask you about this painting, Jude, because it's such a fantastic likeness of the brilliant Mr Michael Williams," he said.
A visibly emotional Dame Judi replied, "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. I love it, I really love it." The couple, who wed in 1971, shared a daughter, Finty Williams, now 53. Michael Williams passed away from lung cancer in 2001 at the age of 65.
Reflections on Career, Health, and Hollywood
The conversation also turned to the pair's professional collaboration, including working together on The Merchant of Venice shortly after their wedding. Branagh, who later worked with Michael Williams on the film Henry V, fondly recalled him as a "very talented young actor" with a "strong, masculine presence" and "piercing eyes."
Elsewhere in the wide-ranging interview, Dame Judi spoke frankly about the challenges she faces with her deteriorating eyesight and short-term memory. Diagnosed with Age-related Macular Degeneration in 2012, she revealed both eyes are now in the progressed 'wet' stage and beyond treatment. "It's a crusher," she admitted, stating she can no longer watch television, drive, or go out alone.
Despite this, she continues to work by having scripts read to her, which she memorises using her photographic memory. However, she confessed to fearing she will "lose the plot," adding, "I can’t remember what I’m doing tomorrow, I swear to you."
Candid Thoughts on Past Collaborations
The documentary and a recent press interview also touched upon her past work in Hollywood. Dame Judi reflected on her friendship with Kevin Spacey, describing him as an "inestimable comfort" after her husband's death when they worked on The Shipping News. She noted they remain in contact, stating, "Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin, we text."
She also addressed working with disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, who produced her Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love. While horrified by the allegations against him, she suggested he may be deserving of personal forgiveness, saying, "I imagine he's done his time." She had previously issued a statement in 2017 offering sympathy to his victims.
Tea with Judi promises viewers a mix of lively conversation, humour, and raw emotion, offering an unprecedented look at the life of one of Britain's most beloved acting icons.
