May 11th 2024.
Dame Judi Dench, a beloved figure in the entertainment world, has once again made history. The national treasure has shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to join an exclusive private members' club for actors and artists. This marks a significant milestone for the club, as it has been in existence for 193 years and has never opened its doors to women before.
The club, named after renowned actor David Garrick, boasts a prestigious list of members including Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Macfadyen, and Damian Lewis. Past members have also included famous writers such as Charles Dickens, HG Wells, and AA Milne. However, the club has always been a boys' club, until now.
In a groundbreaking move, a vote was passed earlier this week with a majority of 60% of the 1500 members in favor of allowing women to join. This decision was met with support from influential figures such as Stephen Fry and Nigel Havers, with Dame Judi Dench being the first woman to officially become a member.
Dame Judi's name was included in a list of seven prominent women who were considered for membership, alongside former home secretary Amber Rudd and Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman. The 89-year-old Hollywood star has had a remarkable career since her professional acting debut in 1957. She gained recognition for her performances in Shakespearean plays such as Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, and Macbeth.
She later ventured into film and television, starring in popular shows like ITV's A Fine Romance and BBC One's As Time Goes By. Dame Judi has received numerous awards for her work, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love. She has also been nominated for several other films, such as Mrs Brown, Chocolat, Iris, Philomena, and Belfast.
Dame Judi is most famously known for her portrayal of M in the James Bond franchise, appearing alongside Pierce Brosnan in Goldeneye and continuing to do so until Daniel Craig's run as 007. Her portrait, painted by Scottish artist Jennifer McRae, already hangs in the club as a testament to her legendary status.
The actress is not a new face at the Garrick Club, as she often visited as a guest of her late husband, actor Michael Williams, who was a member before his passing in 2001. The decision to allow women into the club was not an easy one, with hours of debate and a previous vote in November that did not meet the required two-thirds majority.
Labour politician Rachel Reeves, who openly expressed her support for the decision, also commended the club for finally catching up with the times. Established in 1831, The Garrick Club is one of the oldest private membership clubs in the world, alongside other prestigious clubs such as White's Club and Boodles Club, which have counted royalty, politicians, and even James Bond creator Ian Fleming as members.
Dame Judi's achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry have rightfully earned her a place among the elite members of the Garrick Club. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures to share, the entertainment team at The Agency would love to hear from you. You can reach us by email, phone, or by visiting our Submit Stuff page. Let's celebrate Dame Judi Dench and all her accomplishments, as she continues to inspire and make history at the age of 89.
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