Actress Judi Dench: Irish background

Yes, Judi Dench, the renowned British actress, has Irish ancestry. Her mother, Eleanora Olive Jones, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and her father, Reginald Arthur Dench, was born in Dorset, England.

Dench has spoken in interviews about her strong connection to Ireland and her love for the country. She has visited Ireland many times and has even owned a home in County Wicklow.

In 2016, Dench received the “British Irish Person of the Year” award from the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of her contributions to strengthening the cultural ties between Britain and Ireland.

Judi Dench remains one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood having played everything from Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love to the character M in several James Bond films. She attended Mount School in York, England, and studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and at Old Vic Theatre.