

She received critical acclaim for her work on television during this period, in the series A Fine Romance (1981–1984) and As Time Goes By (1992–2005), in both of which she held starring roles. Over the next two decades, Dench established herself as one of the most significant British theatre performers, working for the National Theatre Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 1968, she drew excellent reviews for her leading role of Sally Bowles in the musical Cabaret. Although most of Dench's work during this period was in theatre, she also branched into film work and won a BAFTA Award as Most Promising Newcomer. Over the following few years, she performed in several of Shakespeare's plays, in such roles as Ophelia in Hamlet, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. ĭench made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic Company. She has been named Britain's best actor on multiple occasions. Regarded as one of the best actresses in British history, she is seen as a "peerless performer" with roles ranging from the James Bond films to Shakespearean dramas.

Dame Judith Olivia Dench, CH, DBE, FRSA (born 9 December 1934) is an English actress.
