Actress Dame Judi Dench has revealed that she plants individual trees in tribute to her friends who have passed away. On the day of fellow actress Dame Maggie Smith’s funeral, Dame Judi’s gardener discovered a sapling planted for Dame Maggie had borne fruit. The gardening team found a single crab apple that day, which Dame Judi carried in her pocket throughout the funeral. The tribute was recorded for the TV special “Maggie Smith at the BBC,” which aired on 28 December.
Dame Judi and Dame Maggie became friends when they met in a dressing room at The Old Vic theatre in 1957. They went on to work together many times, including in the films “A Room With A View,” “Ladies in Lavender,” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and its sequel.
Director Charles Dance, who worked with both women, described how lucky he felt to have had them as leading ladies in an upcoming BBC special. He praised their willingness to try anything and ad-lib on set. Dame Maggie Smith was known for her comedic timing as well as her quick wit. Fellow actress Samantha Bond, who appeared in “Downton Abbey” with Dame Maggie, revealed that some of the show’s performers had trouble distinguishing between the real Dame Maggie and her rather sardonic character.
Despite Dame Maggie’s formidable reputation, Dame Judi had nothing but fond memories of her friend. She described her as witty, scary, and formidable, but also very sweet.
The tribute to Dame Maggie Smith offers a glimpse into a decades-long friendship between two of the UK’s most celebrated actresses. With a gardening team and shared memories, these women prove that even in the world of entertainment, the strongest bonds can outlast even the brightest talent
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