By Basant El-Faramawy
Dame Judi Dench has revealed in her new memoir that the decision to kill off her character M in the James Bond series originated with Daniel Craig. Dench, 91, portrayed the MI6 chief across seven Bond films and one cameo appearance before her character's death in the 2012 movie Skyfall.
Memoir Details Exit from Franchise
In her book "Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?", Dench writes that she was taken to the Wolseley restaurant by producers Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, and director Sam Mendes, who outlined the plot and informed her they would "bump her off." She notes that Craig was not present at the meeting but adds, "Apparently, it was Daniel's idea to have me killed." Dench also recounts being sacked by Ralph Fiennes' character in the film, calling him an "arsehole." She dismisses press reports that she cried over the departure, citing her "twenty glorious years and eight Bond films" — one more than Roger Moore's tenure as 007.
Reflections on Playing M
Dench describes enjoying the role because it allowed her to "tell all those men where to get off." She highlights the line "You're a sexist, misogynist dinosaur" delivered to Pierce Brosnan's Bond as a particular point of pride. Dench joined the franchise during Brosnan's era, appearing in GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day, before continuing into Craig's tenure.
Macular Degeneration Ends Acting Career
While promoting her memoir, Dench disclosed that age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diagnosed in 2012, has forced her to retire from acting. In a BBC Radio 4 interview, she stated she can no longer perform on stage, appear in films, or read. Dench emphasized the importance of radio in her life and the need to adjust to her condition without dwelling on it.
