Dame Judi Dench recently revealed a heartfelt and personal tribute to her late friend, Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away in September at the age of 89. In a touching tradition, Dame Judi plants trees to honor friends who have passed. On the day of Maggie’s funeral, a sapling planted in her memory bore its first fruit – a crab apple. Judi carried the fruit with her during the funeral, a meaningful gesture that she shared in an interview for Maggie Smith at the BBC, set to air on December 28.
The two actresses, who first met in 1957 at The Old Vic theatre, formed a lifelong friendship. They collaborated on films like A Room With A View, Ladies in Lavender, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel series. Charles Dance, a mutual friend and collaborator, reflected on their time together, recalling a memorable, humorous moment between the two on the Ladies in Lavender set. Dance fondly remembered their playful dynamic, including a moment when Maggie jokingly complained, “Stop pushing me!” as Judi tried to get ahead.
