Judi Dench speaks of grief after Maggie Smith's death

Dame Judi Dench, a celebrated actress, has opened up about her profound sorrow following the recent death of her close friend, Dame Maggie Smith. Dame Maggie, who was also a prominent figure in the acting world, passed away last week. During an event at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, fellow actor Brendan O'Hea inquired about Dame Maggie, while also mentioning the loss of Dame Judi's husband, Michael Williams, who was also an actor. When asked to elaborate on her thoughts regarding grief, Dame Judi likened it to petrol, suggesting that it generates a significant amount of energy. However, she appeared to struggle to articulate her feelings, leaving her answer somewhat unfinished. Dame Maggie Smith was widely recognized for her roles in beloved films such as the Harry Potter series and the acclaimed television drama Downton Abbey. Following her passing, tributes poured in from various figures, including King Charles III and the Prime Minister, who honored her legacy and referred to her as 'a true legend' of both stage and screen. nnThe friendship between Dame Judi and Dame Maggie spanned decades, and they collaborated on numerous projects throughout their careers. They both starred in the 2004 film Ladies in Lavender, a touching drama about two sisters who take in a young man. Additionally, they appeared together in The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in 2015, a sequel to the 2011 hit film. In 2018, they were featured in a documentary titled Nothing Like a Dame, where they fondly reminisced about their lives and careers in the entertainment industry. During the interview, Brendan O'Hea delicately addressed the recent challenges Dame Judi has faced, including the loss of another dear friend, Barbara Leigh-Hunt, who passed away last month at the age of 88. Dame Judi and Barbara had shared the screen in the 1992 BBC sitcom As Time Goes By, further highlighting the depth of Dame Judi's connections within the acting community. nnDame Judi has previously discussed her coping mechanisms for dealing with the grief of losing loved ones. In a past interview, she revealed that performing in plays can be incredibly painful, yet it also serves as a form of catharsis for her. She explained that she channels her emotions into her performances, likening this process to using petrol as a source of energy. When Brendan O'Hea sought clarification on her metaphor, Dame Judi refrained from directly commenting on the recent losses of her friends or her husband, who passed away in 2001. Instead, she shared her practice of planting trees at her home in Surrey as a way to honor the memories of those she has lost. She humorously noted that some of the trees grow in ways that remind her of the individuals they commemorate, while one tree dedicated to her late friend Bob Peck has struggled to thrive. Dame Maggie Smith enjoyed a remarkable career, earning numerous accolades for her performances. She was renowned for her sharp wit and memorable characters, such as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films and Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey. Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter, praised her intellect and humor, stating that she had the ability to intimidate and charm simultaneously. Throughout her illustrious career, Dame Maggie received two Academy Awards and several other nominations, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. King Charles described her as 'a national treasure,' and her immense talent endeared her to countless fans.