Dench recalls Williams' quiet support

Judi Dench has released her new memoir, "Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?", which hits shelves Tuesday. The book contains personal recollections of her late husband, Michael Williams, and her first public assessment of her role in the 2019 film "Cats." In these pages, Dench revisits a specific memory of her friendship with the late actor Robin Williams during a difficult time for her family.

The couple was staying at actor Billy Connolly's home in Scotland nearly 30 years ago when they encountered Williams. Dench describes the setting as a large party held in the woods, complete with a ceilidh and a bonfire. Her husband was suffering from lung cancer and was visibly tired. The pair decided to leave early and began the walk back up a steep hill.

Williams joined them on the path and offered assistance. Michael Williams stated he could manage on his own, but Robin Williams replied that he would ride shotgun anyway. Dench notes that she has often considered that interaction. She characterizes Williams as gently supportive, emphasizing his ability to offer presence without imposing himself on the couple.

The two actors had a professional history prior to this meeting. They worked together on the 1996 production of "Hamlet." In 1999, Williams presented Dench with the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in "Shakespeare in Love." The comedian died in 2014 at age 63. Dench's husband, Michael Williams, died on Jan. 11, 2001, at age 65 after the two married in 1971.

Dench also addresses the 2019 adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Cats" in the memoir. The film featured a cast that included Dench, James Corden, Idris Elba, and Taylor Swift. It was widely criticized by reviewers and performed poorly at the box office. Dench writes that she has waited a long time to discuss the project publicly.

She describes the experience as a waste of the goodwill and talent involved. Dench notes that she never saw the final cut of the movie, which prevents her from making a definitive judgment. She states that no one sets out to deliver a poor performance, and that actors do their best and hope the audience will join the party.