
Age: 91
female
Dame Judith Olivia "Judi" Dench, CH, DBE, FRSA (born 9 December 1934) is an English film, stage and television actress. Dench made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic Company. Over the following few years she played in several of William Shakespeare's plays in such roles as Ophelia in Hamlet, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. She branched into film work, and won a BAFTA Award as Most Promising Newcomer; however, most of her work during this period was in theatre. Not generally known as a singer, she drew strong reviews for her leading role in the musical Cabaret in 1968. During the next two decades, she established herself as one of the most significant British theatre performers, working for the National Theatre Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In television, she achieved success during this period, in the series A Fine Romance from 1981 until 1984 and in 1992 began a continuing role in the television romantic comedy series As Time Goes By. Her film appearances were infrequent until she was cast as M in GoldenEye (1995), a role she played in each James Bond film until Skyfall (2012). She received several notable film awards for her role as Queen Victoria in Mrs. Brown (1997), and has since been acclaimed for her work in such films as Shakespeare in Love (1998), Chocolat (2000), Iris (2001), Mrs Henderson Presents (2005) and Notes on a Scandal (2006), and the television production The Last of the Blonde Bombshells (2001). Regarded by critics as one of the greatest actresses of the post-war period, and frequently named as the leading British actress in polls, Dench has received many award nominations for her acting in theatre, film and television; her awards include ten BAFTAs, seven Laurence Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award. She was married to actor Michael Williams from 1971 until his death in 2001. They are the parents of actress Finty Williams.

Judi Dench

Gertrude Klasen
for Gertrude Klasen in Scarlet Shadows: The Vivien Leigh Story
Suggested by kamsismith

"Scarlet Shadows" is an intimate portrayal of the brilliant and complex Vivien Leigh, showcasing her unrivaled talent and undeniable charisma. The film delves into her early years, growing up in British India, and her determination to become an actress despite societal expectations. Audiences will witness her transformation from a budding stage actress to a global superstar with her groundbreaking role as Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind." The heart of the film lies in Vivien's passionate but tumultuous relationship with Laurence Olivier, one of the greatest actors of his time. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a real-life love story filled with intense emotions, jealousy, and undeniable passion. As they navigated the pressures of fame and personal struggles, their story becomes a poignant exploration of love and sacrifice. However, "Scarlet Shadows" doesn't shy away from Vivien's personal demons. The film sensitively portrays her struggles with mental health, including her battle with bipolar disorder, and the toll it took on her career and personal life. It highlights her resilience and determination to overcome these challenges, ultimately earning her two Academy Awards.
