Dame Judi Dench reportedly broke down in tears after she was asked about her dear friend Dame Maggie Smith during an event. The entertainment world mourned the loss of the esteemed Harry Potter and Downton Abbey actress Maggie Smith, who passed away at the age of 89 on Friday, September 27.
She died surrounded by her family. Tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers alike, with Daniel Radcliffe expressing his fortune at having had the opportunity to work with the Harry Potter legend.
At the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Dame Judi Dench, aged 89, became emotional when the conversation turned to her recently departed friends Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt, who died a few weeks earlier at 88. While being interviewed by Brendan O’Hea, the Shakespeare In Love star and theatre legend was overcome with emotion as she tried to talk about the loss of her friend.
Brendan O’Hea said at the event: “I know I probably shouldn’t bring this up. I know the last week has been tricky for you because you lost your great friends Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt.”
He also probed into her past comments comparing grief to petrol in relation to her late husband Michael Williams, who succumbed to lung cancer in 2001, reports the Mirror. “I suppose the energy that’s created by grief…” Dame Judi began, before pausing, overcome by emotion.
The friendship between Dame Judi and Dame Maggie dates back to their early days as young actresses at the Old Vic Theatre in London. They both starred in the film Ladies in Lavender in 2004 and in 2002, Maggie delivered a speech at a tribute event for Judi.
The Downton Abbey star fondly recalled her time with Dame Judi Dench, saying: “What I remember mostly about that time, is it was the beginning of a friendship, and I remember laughter more than anything in the world. Judi’s the most tremendous friend. She’s been a huge support and hugely loyal.”
Beloved Oscar-winning actress Maggie passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by her loved ones last month. Her family expressed their deep sorrow, stating they were “devastated” by her passing and extended their gratitude to the NHS staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Through their publicist, they released a statement: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.
“She was an intensely private person and was with friends and family at the end. She leaves behind two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.
“We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”