The world of entertainment mourned the passing of Dame Maggie Smith, a titan of stage and screen, in September at the age of 89. Her illustrious career spanned seven decades, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles and unforgettable performances. Among those deeply affected by her loss was Dame Judi Dench, a close friend and frequent collaborator. Their bond, forged in the vibrant theatrical scene of 1950s London, endured for over half a century, marked by shared laughter, mutual respect, and a series of memorable on-screen partnerships. Dench, now 90, has opened up about the profound impact of Smith’s death, revealing a deeply personal and touching tribute to her departed friend.
Dench’s tribute takes the form of a living memorial, a poignant tradition she has established within the tranquil grounds of her Surrey home. She dedicates a tree in her private forest to each cherished friend and family member she loses, a symbolic gesture of remembrance and enduring connection. This leafy sanctuary now holds saplings dedicated to a constellation of departed stars, including Alan Rickman, Helen McCrory, and Diana Rigg, alongside a tree planted in honor of her late husband, Michael Williams. In a particularly moving coincidence, the tree planted for Maggie Smith recently bore its first fruit, a small crab apple which Dench carried with her to the funeral. This tangible piece of nature, sprung from the earth in memory of her friend, served as a poignant symbol of life emerging from loss.
The two Dames’ paths first crossed at the Old Vic theatre in London, the starting point of a friendship that would blossom over decades. Their professional lives intertwined on numerous occasions, resulting in a string of notable collaborations. From the comedic brilliance of A Private Function (1984) to the wartime drama of Tea With Mussolini (1999), their on-screen chemistry was undeniable. They shared the screen again in the heartwarming Ladies in Lavender (2004), and the vibrant ensemble casts of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) and its sequel. Perhaps their most celebrated joint venture remains the Merchant Ivory classic, A Room With a View (1985), a film that captured the spirit of a bygone era and solidified their status as a formidable acting duo.
Their friendship transcended the realm of professional collaboration, extending into a deep personal connection. Smith, speaking at a tribute event for Dench in 2002, emphasized the laughter and unwavering support that characterized their relationship. She described Dench as "the most tremendous friend," a sentiment echoed by Dench’s quiet but deeply felt actions in the wake of Smith’s passing. The planting of the tree, the discovery of the crab apple, the silent reverence at the funeral – these intimate gestures speak volumes about the depth of their bond. They paint a picture of a friendship that weathered the storms of life, offering solace and camaraderie through the ups and downs of their respective careers and personal lives.
The loss of Maggie Smith is not the first time Judi Dench has grappled with grief. Over two decades ago, she faced the devastating loss of her husband, actor Michael Williams, to lung cancer. They had shared their lives for over thirty years, their love story beginning on the stage and continuing through decades of marriage and the birth of their daughter, Finty. In the aftermath of Williams’s death, Dench immersed herself in work, finding solace and a sense of purpose in the demanding world of acting. She found that keeping busy helped her navigate the raw pain of loss, providing a much-needed distraction and a channel for her creative energy.
Now, facing the loss of another significant figure in her life, Dench once again turns to her personal rituals of remembrance. The act of planting a tree serves as a tangible expression of her grief, a way to honor the memory of those she has loved and lost. The quiet growth of these trees, rooted in the earth of her home, stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and love, a reminder that even in the face of death, life continues to blossom. The crab apple, a small but significant fruit born from the tree dedicated to Maggie Smith, is a poignant symbol of this enduring connection, a tangible reminder of the fruits borne from a lifetime of friendship and shared experiences. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of memory and the quiet beauty of remembrance.
