Why Judi Dench Punched Her Co-Star Before a Love Scene
Judi Dench is a titan of the stage and screen, but behind the scenes, her behavior can be downright wild. Her co-stars have learned that her playful antics can sometimes cross the line into physical confrontations, especially when tested.
Judi Dench may be acting royalty, but her on-set behavior is anything but prim and proper. Beneath the distinguished exterior lies a master prankster who thrives on creating a bit of chaos. Her colleagues have learned over the years that while she's one of the greatest performers of her generation, she's also not someone you want to cross, as her sense of humor can sometimes pack a literal punch.
A Reputation for Mayhem
Dench's reputation for mischief is legendary among those who have shared a stage or screen with her. Just ask Lesley Manville, who found herself in an uncontrollable fit of laughter during a live performance. Dench managed to break her co-star's composure by hilariously pretending to be receiving sexual favors from behind while on stage. The stunt was so effective that Manville later joked that Dench should be locked away for her outrageous behavior.
But her pranks aren't always so elaborate. Sometimes they're simple, like the time she propositioned a total stranger by mistake. These stories paint a picture of an actress who loves to keep things interesting, often blurring the line between professional and playful in the most unexpected ways.
A Friendly Rivalry
Actor Michael Pennington, a close friend since the 1970s, has been a frequent target of her antics. Having worked together on numerous plays like The Way of the World and The Gift of the Gorgon, he was well-acquainted with her mischievous side. She once recalled their dynamic to The Independent, stating, “When we have argued, I don’t think it’s ever been serious.”
She shared a story that highlighted her more whimsical side. “I remember him telling me once that he had a mouse infestation and had set traps all over his house. I won’t have a trap in my house: I don’t like badgers being destroyed or maimed, and I feel the same about mice. So I wrote these anonymous letters to him saying, ‘Mouse Murderer!’” This playful jab was mild compared to what would come later when Pennington decided to test her limits.
The Garlic Incident
Reflecting on their long friendship, the Oscar-winning actress admitted, “it’s mostly been about having fun and being badly behaved, though he’s not as uncontrolled as I can get.” Pennington learned just how uncontrolled she could get when he made a critical error before they were set to film an intimate scene. He apparently thought it would be funny to load up on garlic beforehand.
Dench was not amused by his fragrant challenge. “Once, he ate a lot of garlic before a love scene,” she explained. Her reaction was swift and decisive. “I think I punched him for that.” It’s tough enough for actors to simulate romance with a dear friend, but doing so with someone whose breath could ward off vampires was a bridge too far. Acting with true professionalism, she did what any seasoned performer would do in that situation, she simply decked him. It serves as a clear warning: if you try to out-prank the legendary actress, you might just walk away with a bruise.