Dame Judi Dench reveals the touching tribute she paid to late friend Maggie Smith

Dame Judi Dench has shared the deeply personal way in which she has honoured her late friend and fellow actress, Dame Maggie Smith.

Smith sadly passed away at the age of 89. Her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, announced her passing “with great sadness”, sharing with fans that she had died “peacefully” on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Dench has always honoured her dearly departed friends in a unique way—by planting a tree in their memory.

During a recent episode of Countryfile, Dench revealed her garden has become a living tribute to the people who have touched her life, stating that she has “a lot of famous people in my garden”.

In a touching update, Dench revealed that her gardener recently discovered a crab apple on the tree she planted in Smith’s honour.

“Joe, who works for me, came in and he had one little crab apple,” Dench told the BBC.

“And so I had it in my pocket at her funeral, which was a very nice thing to have.”

Dench became emotional recently during an appearance at the Cheltenham Literature Festival when asked about Smith’s passing, as well as about her poignant comparison of grief to petrol.

“I suppose because the energy that’s created by grief,” she said before breaking down.

Dench and Smith first met as young actresses performing at the Old Vic theatre in London. The pair went on to appear together in several films, including A Room With A View, Tea With Mussolini, Ladies in Lavender and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, in addition to numerous stage productions

Smith had previously praised her friend’s loyalty during a tribute event honouring the James Bond star back in 2002.

“What I remember mostly about that time, it was the beginning of a friendship, and I remember laughter more than anything in the world,” Smith said at the time.

“Judi’s the most tremendous friend. She’s been a huge support and hugely loyal.”

-with BANG.