In Quotes: National Treasure Dame Judi Dench at 90
We’re wishing Judi Dench the happiest of birthdays as she turns 90 on December 9, 2024. We couldn’t let this big day pass without looking back at some of Dame Judi’s most memorable quotes – with sentiments we can all agree on…
Despite being one of the country’s greatest actors, winning an Academy Award, Golden Globes, British Film Academy Awards and numerous Olivier Awards during her remarkable seven decade career, Dame Judi remains so humble. Her down-to-earth attitude and hard work has firmly elevated her to the well-deserved accolade of being a “national treasure”.
Her wit and wisdom resonates with so many, and we now share a few of her most-loved quotes as she talks about her work, her success, her life and the positives of growing older.
Happy 90th, Dame Judi!
Judi Dench: 40 meaningful quotes
Judi Dench on work
- “I love acting. It’s a passion. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
- “I think every person, every actor, has something that they want to prove.”
- “If there’s anything I’ve learned from my years in the industry, it’s that kindness and respect go a long way. Treat everyone with dignity and you’ll earn their respect in return.”
- “I never get tired of acting, and I never want to stop.”
- “A career in the arts is never easy. It’s always a fight.”
- “I never really think about the audience. I think about my character and what she or he needs.”
- “People are always saying that actresses are supposed to look a certain way, but there’s no one-size-fits-all in the world.”
- “I’ve always found the work of an actor fascinating – the process of becoming someone else.”
- “The theatre is the place where I’ve always felt most at home.”
- “I like to push myself beyond the limit every now and again.”
- “You’re only as good as your last performance, so you can never be complacent.”
- “I always get nervous before I perform. If I didn’t, I’d be worried.”
- “I think the greatest gift an actor can give to the audience is a sense of truth.”
- “You can’t do great work without passion and dedication.”
- “I hope I’ll be remembered for my work, but I’d be happy if people just remember me for being kind.”
Judi Dench on life
Pic: Shutterstock / landmarkmedia
- “You can’t take life too seriously. You can’t.”
- “Life is a beautiful mess, and that’s what makes it so incredible.”
- “You can’t have regrets about your choices. What’s done is done.”
- “Never fall out of love with life.”
- “Regret is a wasted emotion. Instead, focus on the lessons learned and use them to make better choices in the future.”
- “I don’t want to be a ‘Dame’ – I just want to be me.”
- “It is not good to cross the bridge before you get to it.”
- “You should never be afraid to express yourself. If you’ve got something to say, say it.”
- “The best advice I can give to anyone is to keep doing what you love, no matter what.”
- “Sometimes, the hardest thing in life is to let go of something you love.”
Judi Dench on success (and failure)
- “Success is not measured by material possessions or accolades. True success lies in the impact we have on others and the lives we touch.”
- “You don’t have to be afraid of life. You have to embrace it, enjoy it, and, if it doesn’t work out, then so be it.”
- “You should always be willing to take a risk and fail.”
- “I don’t think I’m a great actress. I don’t think any actor is, really. You do what you can and hope for the best.”
- “The way I see it, you’ve got to take chances. You’ve got to have confidence in yourself. If you can’t do that, you’ll never achieve anything.”
- “I think you learn more from failure than from success.”
- “It’s so thrilling to do something that’s really difficult.”
Judi Dench on growing older
Pic: Shutterstock / DFree
- “I’ve always thought of myself as a bit of a rebel.”
- “I don’t think there’s any ‘too old’ to do something. You just have to find the courage to do it.”
- “The older you get, the more you learn about people and what makes them tick.”
- “I don’t see myself as a role model, but if something I do helps others, then that’s wonderful.”
- “Age is an opportunity for reinvention. Embrace it and discover the endless possibilities that lie ahead.”
- “I think age should be something to be celebrated, not feared.”
- “There’s no substitute for experience, and I think that’s what gives me a certain amount of freedom now.”
- “The thing I enjoy most about acting is that it keeps you young.”
Which quote from Dame Judi most resonates with you? Find us on Facebook, X and Instagram and share your favourite there.
Also read words of wisdom from Michelle Obama, Karren Brady and Helen Mirren, or quotes from celebrities on ageing without apology.
Read more about Judi Dench in our 5 Famous Women Who Became Successful Later In Life article.
Allison Hay
I joined the "My Weekly" team thirteen years ago and, more recently, "The People's Friend". I love the variety of topics we cover both online and in the magazines. I manage the digital content for the brands, sharing features and information on the website, social media and in our digital newsletters.
