Who is Judi Dench’s late husband Michael Williams? The actor starred with the Oscar winner on stage and TV before his death in 2001 aged 65
Dame Judi Dench‘s partner David Mills have given a rare insight into the couple’s decade long relationship.
The wildlife conservationist, 77, spoke about his Oscar winning other half, 88, during her Countryfile special.
David recalled meeting Judi after she paid a visit to his wildlife centre in Surrey and joked ‘she fell in love with my squirrels not me’.
But before the couple met in 2010 Judi had been married to actor Michael Williams, for 30 years until his tragic death in 2001 aged 65.
Here is everything you need to know about Judi Dench’s late husband Michael Williams….
Who is Judi Dench’s late husband Michael Williams?
Michael was born in Liverpool and earned great acclaim as a stage actor in the Royal Shakespeare Company, the very place he met soon to be wife Judi.
As well as numerous appearances in the West End and on Broadway he also starred in TV and Film roles including Z Cars and Educating Rita opposite Julie Walters.
Michael and Judi wed in 1971 and remained married until his death from lung cancer in 2001 aged 65.
On the 10th of January 2001 Michael was appointed a Knight of St Gregory by Pope John Paul II for his contribution to Catholic life in Britain, he sadly died the following day.
Speaking about her late husband on David Tennant’s podcast Judi said: ‘He was the most unselfish man, and he wouldn’t ever attribute that to anything that might be between us… Oh, God, how he used to make me laugh’.
‘He used to make me absolutely howl.’
What did Judi Dench and Michael Williams star in together?
The duo appeared together ion stage but are best remembered for co-starring in ITV sitcom A Fine Romance from 1982 to 1985.
The series followed the unlikely relationship between their characters who were both shy and dogged by bad luck.
When asked about the foundation of the couple’s relationship Judi told Louis Theroux in 2022: ‘It was a sense of humour. Michael used to laugh and when he laughed he used to cry’.
‘Interest in the same things is important of course but what is it? It’s impossible to tell.’
Did Judith Dench and husband Michael Williams have children?
The couple welcomed daughter Tara Cressida Williams, known now as Finty, in 1972, a year after tying the knot.
Following in her famous parents footsteps she too has become an actor and is known for her extensive voice over work.
Finty is also mother to Sam, 26, who found fame during lockdown making fun TikToks with his famous grandmother.
