
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?
A memoir
Judi Dench(Author)
Michael Joseph Ltd (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 22. October 2026
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-0-241-79953-6 (ISBN)
Description
In her new book, Dame Judi Dench tells us of her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes...
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW.
In this brand-new memoir, Judi takes us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career: from growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity, to walking the red carpets of Hollywood and garnering eight Oscar nominations.
Yes despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had 'everything wrong' with her face to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?
But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi's guiding principle. And here, she reveals all in this heart-to-heart conversation. She tells stories of pranks (both on stage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, as well as her passion for nature and animals.
Written with her friend and writing partner Brendan O'Hea, this is Judi's story: funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, this is the story of Britain's most beloved actor.
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW.
In this brand-new memoir, Judi takes us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career: from growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity, to walking the red carpets of Hollywood and garnering eight Oscar nominations.
Yes despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had 'everything wrong' with her face to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?
But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi's guiding principle. And here, she reveals all in this heart-to-heart conversation. She tells stories of pranks (both on stage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, as well as her passion for nature and animals.
Written with her friend and writing partner Brendan O'Hea, this is Judi's story: funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, this is the story of Britain's most beloved actor.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 40 mm
Weight
750 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-79953-6 (9780241799536)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
approx. 10/2026
Penguin Books Ltd
€14.99
Not yet available

Book
approx. 10/2026
MICHAEL JOSEPH
€20.50
Not yet published
Person
Dame Judi Dench is one of the world's most celebrated actresses. She has won numerous major awards for work on both stage and screen - including an Academy Award, ten BAFTAs and a record eight Laurence Olivier Awards. In recognition of her many achievements she received an OBE in 1970, became a DBE in 1988, and in 2005 was awarded a Companion of Honour.