A moment in the movie Shakespeare in Love took my breath away. During a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays, some guy wants to shut it all down. He talks about what Queen Elizabeth would want.
Then, Judi Dench, playing the role of Queen Elizabeth, stands up and says, “Have a care with my name. You will wear it out.” She proceeds to the stage. And no one could possibly see her as anyone other than Her Majesty.
You can watch the scene here.
Judi Dench is an extraordinary actress and one of my heroes. Here are a few of my favorite roles she’s portrayed.
- Queen Elizabeth, Shakespeare in Love
- Armande Voizin, Chocolat
- M, Casino Royale
- M, Quantum of Solace
- Evelyn Greenslade, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
- M, Skyfall
- Evelyn Greenslade, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
- Granny, Belfast
She’s played many more great characters, including some I would still like to see.
Leave a Reply