Dame Judi Dench pays a touching tribute to her dear friend and fellow actress, Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away at the age of 89 in September.
In a heartfelt gesture, Dame Judi plants individual trees in memory of her late friends, and on the day of Dame Maggie’s funeral, a sapling planted for her had borne fruit, symbolizing their enduring friendship.
In an interview with the BBC, Dame Judi shared how her gardener, Joe, found a single crab apple from the tree planted in Dame Maggie’s honor. She carried this fruit with her to the funeral, finding solace in this symbolic connection to her dear friend.
The two legendary actresses first crossed paths in 1957 in a dressing room at The Old Vic theatre and forged a lifelong friendship.
Over the years, they graced both the stage and screen together, including notable collaborations in films such as “A Room With A View,” “Ladies in Lavender,” “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” and its sequel.
In a forthcoming TV tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, set to air on 28 December, mutual friend Charles Dance reminisced about working with the iconic duo in “Ladies in Lavender.”
He expressed his gratitude for having the privilege of directing Dame Judi and Dame Maggie, praising their talent and camaraderie on set.
Dame Maggie Smith was renowned for her impeccable comic timing and unforgettable performances as characters like Lady Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” series.
Colleague Samantha Bond, who worked with her on “Downton Abbey,” recalled how some young actors struggled to separate Dame Maggie from her sharp-tongued on-screen personas.
Despite her formidable presence, Dame Judi fondly remembers Dame Maggie as a dear friend who brought laughter and joy into her life.
She describes her as witty, funny, and fiercely talented, attributing their enduring friendship to the special bond they shared.
