Judi Dench “wants to carry on” amid sight issues as British acting legend investigates her family history with Shakespeare

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You know, it’s hilarious watching Dame Judi Dench try to get her parrot, Sweetie, to say “Shakespeare.” She’s so patient, sweetly repeating the name, hoping for a response. It’s just adorable – she even sighs and says it would be wonderful if Sweetie could actually say it! It’s a sweet little moment that really shows her love for both acting and, well, parrots!

The parrot seems to have a mischievous streak. Apparently, while visiting with her nephew, it unexpectedly blurted out a very rude phrase – “Drop your trousers. You’re a slag!” – leaving Dench shocked and amused, insisting she certainly didn’t teach it that language! Despite this unexpected outburst from her pet, Dench is looking forward to a new documentary where she explores her love for a famous British author and investigates a possible link to her family history.

In Channel 4’s Shakespeare, My Family and Me, she investigates newly discovered details about one of her ancestors, Anders Bille – a Danish nobleman who served the royal court in the 1600s. She originally learned about him while researching her family history for the 2021 BBC show, Who Do You Think You Are?

Dame Judi is fascinated by the possibility that her ancestor, Bille, once met William Shakespeare. If true, this would be an amazing find, considering how much Shakespeare has impacted her life and career. Her late husband, Michael Williams, a former Royal Shakespeare Company actor, playfully called Shakespeare “the man who pays the rent,” and Dame Judi even has a tree in her garden planted in his honor.

Dame Judi Dench developed a love for Shakespeare as a child, and she says his words now feel like a natural part of her. She’s performed almost all of his female characters, including Ophelia and Lady Macbeth, and jokingly admits she has a better memory for Shakespearean lines than for her daily schedule. The documentary features captivating scenes of her effortlessly reciting lengthy passages from his plays.

Director Harvey Lilley was amazed when, while in a library in Denmark, the actress spontaneously began reciting a speech from Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. She hadn’t performed the role since 1987, and it was a complete surprise! Lilley explains that she has a deep love for Shakespeare, finding the language and rhythm completely natural and accessible, not something distant or old-fashioned.

Judi Dench investigates Danish records to discover if one of her ancestors encountered Shakespeare in 1606. This was a turbulent time – just after the Gunpowder Plot and with the plague resurfacing in England. According to historian Simon Lilley, it was also a creatively fertile year, potentially seeing the first performances of Macbeth and King Lear, and the writing of Antony and Cleopatra.

The director of the Who Do You Think You Are? episode that revealed Dame Judi Dench’s Danish ancestry explains that the research offered more than just historical discovery. It was a compelling mystery – did her ancestor actually encounter the person she admired most? – and it also gave Dame Judi a chance to share personal stories about her life and connection to Shakespeare.

The director and Dame Judi have worked together many times before, including on projects like ‘My Passion for Trees’ (2017) and ‘Wild Borneo Adventure’ (2019). He recalls a particularly daring moment where they lifted her high into a tree, joking it was much taller than Nelson’s Column, and she readily agreed. This clearly shows the strong level of trust they share.

The documentary explores how the filmmaker’s vision is declining due to age-related macular degeneration. According to Lilley, she’s incredibly determined and doesn’t want to be idle. While her eyesight presents challenges, she’s eager to stay active and continue pursuing her passions, and her positive attitude makes it inspiring to watch.

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2025-11-25 13:07