Michael Williams and Judi Dench Marriage Profile

Related: Marriages of 2007 Oscar Nominees

Michael and Judi had co-starred in the 1980s television sitcom A Fine Romance and many believed that the title was a good description of their endearing and enduring marriage.

Here's information about their marriage, wedding, and more.

Judith "Judi" Olivia Dench: December 9, 1934 in York, North Yorkshire, England.

Michael Williams: July 9, 1935 in Liverpool, England.

Died:

Michael: January 11, 2001 in Hampstead, London, England. Michael died at home from lung cancer. His family and friends were with him when he died.

Michael's last gift to Judi was a laptop computer.

One of his comments the evening before he died was "It was one of the best days I've ever had and could I have a match replay?"
Source: BBC.co.uk

A Memorial Requiem Mass was held for Michael at Corpus Christi Church in London on November 28, 2001.

Although Judi and Michael first met in the early 1960s while working at the Royal Shakespeare Company, their relationship didn't move beyond friendship until nine years later.

"... they knew each other for nine years before the chemistry gelled one night in the Dirty Duck pub in Stratford where she had been playing the lead in Twelfth Night."
Source: BBC.co.uk

Judi about Michael's proposal: "I was doing The Winter's Tale in Australia. I thought he was in England but one night on stage I turned round during a dance to see an 'extra' who had never been there before! Recognizing him I froze ...!"
Source: HelloArticle

When Michael had heard that a close friend of Judi's had died, Michael flew to Australia from England to comfort her. He also decided to propose. But it didn't seem like the right time to Judi, and she asked him to ask her again on a rainy night in Battersea near London. He did. She said yes.

Michael and Judi were married on February 5, 1971 just around the corner from her home in Hampstead. They walked to their wedding ceremony. Ian Richardson and Alec McCowen were ushers at Michael and Judi's wedding. Their wedding reception was held at a zoo. Michael had a Shakespeare quote inscribed on the inside of Judi's wedding ring that says "He will weep you, an 'twere a man born in April."

Their marriage lasted nearly 30 years until Michael's death ended their close and loving partnership.

Picture of Michael and Judi on their Wedding Day

Judi and Michael had one daughter.

• Tar Cressida Frances "Finty" Williams: Born September 24, 1972 in England. Finty is an actress and the mother of one son, Sam.

Occupations
Judi: Actress Michael: Actor. Michael was awarded the Papal knighthood by the Catholic Church in November 2000.

Books About Judi Dench With Memories of Michael Williams:

Judi Dench: Scenes From My Life
by Judi Dench

Judi Dench: With a Crack in Her Voice
by John Miller

Darling Judi: A Celebration of Judi Dench
by John Miller Jr

DVD Set:

A Fine Romance -- Boxed Set (DVD) (1981-1983)

Michael and Judi lived in a 18th Century Hampstead home. Their daughter, Finty, accidentally set the home on fire and it was completely destroyed.

Judi now lives at Wasp Green on five acres in Surrey, England.

Judi about her marriage to Michael: "We were just happy to be in the same room together."
Source: IMDB.com

BBC News about their romance with one another: "Michael Williams and Judi Dench lived up to their Fine Romance image. She called him "my spoony old thing"; he sent her a single red rose every Friday [no matter where she was in the world]."
Source: BBC.co.uk

Michael about their marriage: "We revel in one another's company ..."
Source: MP3 Audio Clip

Michael about Judi's success: "I am old-fashioned enough to think I should be providing the bread."
Source: BBC.co.uk

From Michael's Memorial Service: "... your special lady, your special Jude -- that daughter of York, respected and admired artist, wife of a Knight, Dame of an Empire -- sits here today with thirty years of you in her heart --- and she is well. From that rainy day in Battersea to your sun splashed garden in Outwood, you have travelled arm-in-arm and heart-in-heart during good times and yes, even times too 'orrible to mention. In her quietude, she enters your garden o'er which your mantle is spread, Like the silver dew of the dawn. And tension and fear just melt away As serenity is born. She, too, listens to the wind -- and gives thanks."
Source: DJDChronology.com