Dame Judi Dench Trivia Quiz

Answer: Judith Olivia Dench

Judi grew up in a rambling Victorian house with her mother, father and two brothers. Her parents were both keen amateur actors. Her father studied medicine and was the company's doctor at the Theatre Royal in York. As a child, Judi would often join her father backstage.

Answer: Set designer

Judi only studied designing for one year before joining the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. The school is a popular choice for teaching drama. Their list of students includes Vanessa Redgrave, Kathleen Turner, Julie Christie, Rupert Everett and Carrie Fisher. Judi graduated with a first class degree in acting.

Answer: Old Vic

The beginning of her acting career saw Judi play many characters in William Shakespeare's plays. The 'Old Vic' is the name given to the repertory company based in the theatre, formally known as the 'Royal Victoria Hall'. Well known American actor, Kevin Spacey, became the artistic director for the Old Vic in 2003.

Answer: Cabaret

Although not a trained singer, Judi appealed to audiences with her husky voice and natural stage presence. 'Cabaret' was set in 1931 Berlin at a time when the Nazis were coming to power. Judi played cabaret singer, Sally Bowles, who regularly performed in a run down club called the 'Kit Kat Club'.

Answer: Michael Williams

Judi married Michael in 1971 and their only daughter was born just over a year later. Tara Cressida Frances, otherwise known as Finty, followed in her parents footsteps by becoming an actress. Judi spent several months at home caring for Michael before his death, in 2001, of cancer.

Answer: A Fine Romance

Judi played 'Laura', a middle aged woman who had been paired up with a shy landscape gardener. The series followed their 'fine' romance which normally resulted in petty squabbles, even though they were devoted to each other. The series was televised between 1981 and 1984.

Answer: As Time Goes By

Judi played opposite actor Geoffrey Palmer, who to this day remains a very close personal friend. Their characters fell in love during the 1950s but lost touch after Lionel (Palmer) was sent to Korea. They met up after being separated for 38 years only to find their feelings still as strong. The programme was televised between 1992 and 2005.

Answer: Shakespeare in Love

The storyline centered around two doomed lovers, William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps. Judi played her role as Queen Elizabeth I to regal perfection. The Queen was witness to a wager between Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and Lord Wessex (Colin Firth). Shakespeare had to prove that a play could capture the essence of true love. Shakespeare won the wager, but the Queen exiled Viola to America with Lord Essex, to whom she was newly married. Judi's appearance only lasted for eight minutes during the whole film.

Answer: M

MI6 is the name given to the United Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Service. 'M' was the fictional name given to the head of MI6, and James Bond's immediate supervisor. Judi was the first woman to play the role. Her character remains steadfastly cold and blunt, unwilling to reveal her growing respect for Bond.

She once called him a "sexist, misogynist dinosaur, a relic of the Cold War".

Answer: Horse racing

Judi has always loved horses and ponies. She is in partnership with her driver, Bryan Agar, and they jointly own a horse called 'Smokey Oakey'. Although away a lot of the time, either filming or acting, she still receives regular updates on the colt's performance.