In the quiet moments after the loss of her cherished friend and fellow British dame, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench found a unique way to honor her memory.
Judi Dench, renowned for her profound relationships within the entertainment industry, has a tradition of planting trees in honor of her late friends. After Maggie Smith’s death in September, Dench discovered a touching coincidence. She shared in a BBC interview that her gardener found a crab apple on the tree planted for Smith on the day of her funeral, a gesture that unexpectedly became a poignant symbol of remembrance. ‘Joe, who works for me, came in, and he had one little crab apple,’ Dench recalled, noting that she kept it in her pocket during the funeral. This small token of friendship provided a sense of comfort during the solemn occasion.
Dench’s memorial forest isn’t just limited to Maggie Smith. It includes tributes to other entertainment figures like Alan Rickman, Helen McCrory, Natasha Richardson, and Stephen Sondheim. This forest stands as a testament to Dench’s enduring connections and the impact of these individuals on her life.
The bond between Dench and Smith was more than personal; it had deep professional roots as well. Their history of collaboration is extensive, having shared the screen in films such as ‘A Room with a View,’ ‘Tea with Mussolini,’ ‘Ladies in Lavender,’ ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,’ and its sequel. Additionally, they graced the stage together in Sir David Hare’s play ‘The Breath of Life.’
Dench, who turned 90 this year, was visibly affected by the loss of this long-time friend. At the Cheltenham Literature Festival, she struggled with her emotions when discussing Smith’s passing. Actor Brendan O’Hea, during an appearance on stage, brought up the subject by reminding Dench of her analogy comparing grief to energy. ‘The last week has been tricky for you because you lost your great friends,’ he noted carefully, referring not only to Smith but also to another close friend, Barbara Leigh-Hunt.
Dench has openly discussed her approach to navigating grief, describing it as both cathartic and a source of energy. In an interview, she described grief as something that ‘fortifies you,’ using it as a driving force, much like petrol, to cope with the deep sense of loss.
Maggie Smith’s departure was marked by a statement released by her family, emphasizing her private nature and surrounded by loved ones at her life’s end. This sentiment echoes the reserved yet profound friendships she and Dench shared both on and off screen. Their camaraderie, immortalized in films and stage productions, continues to resonate with audiences and serves as a reminder of their remarkable partnership.
In 2018’s documentary ‘Nothing Like a Dame’ (known as ‘Tea with the Dames’ in the U.S.), audiences glimpsed the depth of their friendship alongside fellow dames Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright. This film captured the essence of their relationship, characterized by laughter, mutual respect, and shared history.
Judi Dench’s personal tribute to Maggie Smith symbolizes the enduring bond they shared, a bond that transcended both personal and professional realms. As Dench carries her memories forward, the small crab apple serves as a reminder of their cherished friendship.
Source: Yahoo
