After the devastating loss of her husband, Judi Dench thought romance was a chapter of her life that had closed for good. But fate had other plans, as at 76, the actress found love again with a man nearly ten years her junior.
For 30 years, Judi Dench was married to Michael Williams, a fellow actor who was her greatest cheerleader and life partner. His death in 2001 left Judi heartbroken, and she believed that love would not come her way again.
Judi Dench at the “Allelujah” European premiere in London, England, in 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Then, nearly a decade later, the Hollywood stars life took a surprising turn when she met a younger wildlife conservationist. What began as a chance meeting at his British Wildlife Centre grew into an enduring romance full of laughter and companionship.
Judi Dench at the 94th Annual Academy Awards in 2022. | Source: Getty Images
A Love That Began on a Rainy Day
Judi and Michael shared a love story that stood the test of time, marked by humor, partnership, and mutual respect. Their journey as a couple began in a rather whimsical fashion.
When Michael first proposed, they were on tour in sunny Australia, and Judi teasingly told him that she couldnt trust a proposal made in such good weather.
Michael Williams and Judi Dench on their wedding day in 1971. | Source: Getty Images
“We had better wait for a rainy day in Battersea,” she quipped. True to her words, Michael proposed again on a less idyllic day, and Judi said yes, and their journey together began. Michael, born in Manchester, England, had a strong connection to the stage.
Michael Williams and Judi Dench after saying “I do” in 1971. | Source: Getty Images
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made his debut in the 1959 play “Take the Fool Away” at the Nottingham Playhouse. His love for acting was shared by Judi, and their bond often spilled over into their professional lives.
Together, they appeared in the sitcom “A Fine Romance,” where their chemistry charmed audiences as much as it had enchanted those who knew them off-screen.
Judi Dench and Michael Williams photographed on January 1, 1983. | Source: Getty Images
Their marriage was not without its quirks. Judi fondly remembered their spirited arguments but often highlighted how humor defined their relationship. “He used to cry when he laughed,” she recalled. “The more he laughed, the more he cried. Oh god, he made me laugh.”
Michael Williams and Judi Dench photographed on October 18, 1983. | Source: Getty Images
During an interview, the actress attributed the success of their three-decade marriage to shared interests, a sense of humor, and a natural connection that was difficult to put into words.
During their marriage, the couple welcomed their only child, Finty Williams. Like her parents, she pursued a career in acting, appearing in acclaimed productions like “Gosford Park” and “Macbeth.”
Judi Dench and Michael Williams photographed with their daughter Finty Williams on September 27, 1972. | Source: Getty Images
Looking back on her parents marriage, Finty credited her father as a driving force in her mothers career, recalling how Michael encouraged Judi to take on the iconic role of M in the “James Bond” movie franchise in the mid-1990s.
His unwavering belief in her talent propelled Judi to Hollywood fame during a pivotal moment in her career. Sadly, their love story took a heartbreaking turn in 2001.
Judi Dench and Michael Williams circa 1997. | Source: Getty Images
While the famous actress was in New York, she learned that Michaels health had deteriorated. She rushed home to Surrey, England, to be by his side during his final moments. Michael then passed away at 65 after battling lung cancer for two years.
Judi Dench with Finty and Michael Williams at the premiere of “Tea with Mussolini” on March 1, 1999. | Source: Getty Images
Even after his death, Judi kept her late husbands memory alive in the Surrey woodland they had nurtured together. The couple had started planting trees early in their time there to honor loved ones who had passed away, and Judi continued this meaningful tradition.
Michael Williams and Judi Dench at the premiere of “The World Is Not Enough” in 1999. | Source: Getty Images
Over time, Finty welcomed her son, Sam, into the family, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Judi became an unexpected internet sensation, appearing in viral TikTok videos with Finty and her grandson.
The legacy of Judi and Michaels love is evident in the family they built, the memories they shared, and the laughter that continues to ripple through their stories. And despite her loss, the actress eventually found love and companionship again.
Michael Williams and Judi Dench at the London premiere of “The Lion King” in England in 1999. | Source: Getty Images
Rediscovering Love Through Nature
After losing her husband, Judi believed her romantic chapter had come to a close. However, life surprised her when, at 76, she crossed paths with David Mills, a conservationist with a deep passion for wildlife and eight years her junior.
Judi Dench and David Mills at The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party on June 2, 2011, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
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The two met in 2010 at Davids British Wildlife Centre, a sanctuary he founded after leaving behind his life as a dairy farmer. Until 1994 he farmed an award-winning herd of dairy cows, but after his marriage ended, he sold the herd and used the same land to create the center.
Judi Dench and David Mills at the BFI Chairmans Dinner on June 22, 2011, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The couples first encounter was serendipitous. The actress, who lived less than six miles away, frequently passed by the center with her family, intrigued by its wildlife. David recalled spotting her that day and being momentarily starstruck.
“I couldnt quite believe it, but I rushed out,” he said, describing how he boyishly smoothed his clothes before introducing himself. Their initial conversation was lighthearted, with the actress encouraging him to reach out if she could ever be of assistance.
Judi Dench and David Mills at the Sandringham Flower Show on July 30, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Months later, he invited her to open a new red squirrel enclosure, marking the beginning of what would become a meaningful relationship. David credited their connection to their shared interests. Judis passion for nature mirrored his love for theater and film, creating a bond where they explored each others worlds.
David Mills and Judi Dench at The Olivier Awards with Mastercard on April 3, 2016, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
“We have this love of nature and of animals. And we laugh together at the stupidest of things. It wouldnt have lasted 13 years otherwise,” David said.
Over time, their friendship blossomed into a romance. “It developed as a slow, organic friendship,” he shared, adding that their mutual sense of humor played a pivotal role. “Shes a great giggler.”
David Mills and Judi Dench at the world premiere of “Murder On The Orient Express” on November 2, 2017, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The couples dynamic was refreshingly simple, centered around shared experiences. They enjoyed quiet evenings watching television together, including programs like “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Blue Planet.”
Judi Dench and David Mills leaving the “Red Joan” press conference during the 14th Zurich Film Festival on October 3, 2018, in Switzerland. | Source: Getty Images
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Trips to the cinema and gatherings with friends were also a staple of their relationship. David, initially overwhelmed by the award-winning actresss red-carpet world, grew to embrace her lifestyle while maintaining his grounding in the countryside.
Judi Dench and David Mills at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards on May 16, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
“We make time to see one another. It works very well. Like her, I was completely surprised that something like this developed in later life. Neither of us set out for it. We laugh and joke so much, and enjoy one anothers worlds so much, its great, especially when you get to our age,” David revealed.
David Mills and Dame Judi Dench at the closing ceremony of the Atlantida Mallorca Film Festival in 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Despite their happiness, Judi publicly declared they were too old to consider marriage, a sentiment he wholeheartedly agreed with.
“Having two houses allows us space. It works extremely well. […] Well carry on as we are. No proposals. We are very lucky at our stage to have found this path together. Why change it?” he said, emphasizing their contentment with the life they had built together.
David Mills and Dame Judi Dench photographed at an event in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Instead, the couple found joy in their surroundings, spending time in the woodland Judi had nurtured for decades. Their relationship, David said, mirrored the woodland itself – natural, evolving, and deeply fulfilling.
David Mills and Judi Dench on day four of Royal Ascot 2023 at Ascot Racecourse on June 23 in Ascot, England. | Source: Getty Images
However, the “James Bond” star still refused to acknowledge David as her partner. “I have a jolly nice friend now. I dont know what the word is because I dont like the word partner. Partner is something to do with dancing. Partner – horrible word. Friend? No. Boyfriend? No. Chap? Will chap do?” the actress shared.
David Mills and Judi Dench at the Royal Ascot in 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Judi Dench and her “chap”s story is a testament to lifes unpredictability and the possibility of finding love in unexpected places. Their bond, rooted in laughter and mutual respect, remains a source of inspiration for anyone who believes in second chances.
