Judi Dench’s 30-Year Marriage Ended in Tragedy—But Her New Love Will Shock You!

After the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Judi Dench thought romance was a thing of the past. However, fate had a different plan, and at the age of 76, the actress found love again with a man nearly ten years younger.

Judi was married to fellow actor Michael Williams for 30 years. He was her biggest supporter, and his death in 2001 left Judi devastated. She believed she would never experience love again.

Judi Dench at the “Allelujah” European premiere in London, England, in 2022.

Nearly a decade later, Judi’s life took an unexpected turn when she met a younger wildlife conservationist. What began as a casual meeting at his British Wildlife Centre blossomed into a lasting romance filled with laughter and companionship.

A Love That Began on a Rainy Day Judi and Michael shared a love story full of humor and respect. Their journey as a couple began in a playful way.

When Michael first proposed, they were in sunny Australia. Judi jokingly said she couldn’t trust a proposal in such good weather.

Michael Williams and Judi Dench on their wedding day in 1971.

“We had better wait for a rainy day in Battersea,” she teased. As promised, Michael proposed again on a less perfect day, and Judi happily accepted. Michael, from Manchester, had a strong love for the stage.

Michael Williams and Judi Dench after saying “I do” in 1971.

He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and debuted in the 1959 play “Take the Fool Away.” His love for acting was shared by Judi, and together, they appeared in the sitcom “A Fine Romance,” where their chemistry was just as strong off-screen.

Judi Dench and Michael Williams photographed on January 1, 1983.

Their marriage had its quirks. Judi often recalled their fun arguments but emphasized how humor was key to their relationship. “He used to cry when he laughed,” she remembered. “The more he laughed, the more he cried. Oh god, he made me laugh.”

Michael Williams and Judi Dench photographed on October 18, 1983.

In an interview, Judi explained that their marriage worked because of shared interests, humor, and a deep connection.

They had one child, Finty Williams, who followed in their footsteps and became an actress, known for roles in “Gosford Park” and “Macbeth.”

Judi Dench and Michael Williams photographed with their daughter Finty Williams on September 27, 1972.

Finty once said her father was the one who pushed her mother to take on the role of M in the “James Bond” films, which helped Judi gain international fame. Sadly, their love story ended when Michael passed away in 2001.

Judi Dench and Michael Williams circa 1997.

While Judi was in New York, she learned that Michael’s health had worsened. She rushed back to England to be with him in his final moments. He died at the age of 65 after battling lung cancer for two years.

Judi Dench with Finty and Michael Williams at the premiere of “Tea with Mussolini” on March 1, 1999.

Even after his death, Judi kept Michael’s memory alive by continuing a tradition they started together—planting trees in the Surrey woodland they had cared for.

Michael Williams and Judi Dench at the premiere of “The World Is Not Enough” in 1999.

As time went on, Finty had a son, Sam, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Judi became an internet sensation, appearing in fun TikTok videos with Finty and her grandson.

Despite her loss, Judi eventually found love again.

Michael Williams and Judi Dench at the London premiere of “The Lion King” in 1999.

Rediscovering Love Through Nature After losing Michael, Judi thought she would never love again. But life surprised her when, at 76, she met David Mills, a wildlife conservationist who was eight years younger than her.

Judi Dench and David Mills at The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party on June 2, 2011.

They met in 2010 at David’s British Wildlife Centre, a sanctuary he created after leaving his career as a dairy farmer. After his marriage ended, David sold his herd of cows and turned the land into a wildlife center.

Judi Dench and David Mills at the BFI Chairman’s Dinner on June 22, 2011.

Their first meeting was unexpected. Judi, who lived nearby, often passed by the center with her family. David recalled seeing her that day and being starstruck.

Judi Dench and David Mills at the Sandringham Flower Show on July 30, 2014.

“I couldn’t quite believe it, but I rushed out,” David said. Their first conversation was light, with Judi offering to help if needed.

Months later, David invited her to open a red squirrel enclosure, which marked the beginning of a special connection. Judi’s love for nature aligned with David’s passion for theater, creating a strong bond between them.

David Mills and Judi Dench at The Olivier Awards with Mastercard on April 3, 2016.

“We share a love of animals and nature, and we laugh at the silliest things,” David said, reflecting on their lasting relationship.

Their friendship eventually grew into a romance. “It developed slowly, but our humor played a big part,” David said. “She’s a great giggler.”

David Mills and Judi Dench at the world premiere of “Murder On The Orient Express” on November 2, 2017.

Their relationship was simple and joyful, built on shared experiences. They enjoyed quiet nights watching TV and attending movies and events with friends.

Judi Dench and David Mills leaving the “Red Joan” press conference during the 14th Zurich Film Festival on October 3, 2018.

David, who was initially nervous about the glamorous world of red carpets, grew comfortable with Judi’s lifestyle while staying grounded in the countryside.

Judi Dench and David Mills at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards on May 16, 2019.

“We make time for each other, and it works very well,” David shared. “Neither of us expected this in our later years, but we’re happy and enjoy each other’s worlds.”

David Mills and Dame Judi Dench at the closing ceremony of the Atlantida Mallorca Film Festival in 2021.

Though they are happy, Judi has said they are too old to marry, and David agrees. “Having two homes works for us,” he said. “We’re lucky to have found this path. We don’t need to change anything.”

David Mills and Dame Judi Dench at an event in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 2022.

Instead of marriage, they cherish their time in the woodland Judi has cared for for years. Their relationship, like the woodland, is natural, evolving, and deeply fulfilling.

David Mills and Judi Dench on day four of Royal Ascot 2023 at Ascot Racecourse on June 23 in Ascot, England.

Although Judi still avoids calling David her partner, she fondly refers to him as her “chap.”

David Mills and Judi Dench at the Royal Ascot in 2023.

Judi Dench and her “chap” show that love can come at any stage in life. Their bond, based on mutual respect and laughter, is proof that love is never truly gone.