Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this product, free of charge, from St Martin's Press, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it. All opinions are my own
Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea chat about her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes…
Synopsis:
In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea take 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 play, to playing before sold-out houses on Broadway and in London’s West End, she’s done it all. She walked the red carpets of Hollywood, turned James Bond’s M into the most astute, unflinching Head of MI6 anyone could ever have imagined, and won an Oscar, a Tony, Golden Globes, Oliviers, and BAFTAs along the way.
Yet 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 in Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, she reveals all to Brendan - her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals.
As told to Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi Dench’s story – funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving, and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is the story of the world’s most beloved actor.
Review:
I love Judi. No, I adore her! Seeing her in a Shakespeare play, or just giving a whole soliqy off the top of her head in an interview, she just BREATHES the bard. I shudder to think of loosing her. While she may no longer be taking acting jobs due to failing eyesight, reading this book is like sitting down with her and having her tell you stories from her life. You can HEAR her talking with Brendan, as you read (this is their second book together). You'll laugh yourself silly over some of her stories, and by the end, wish you lived nearby to visit her often, as you would a favorite aunt. Even if you aren't a big fan, her acting career has been so varied, you may find some of your favorites talked about in the book. A must for fans, be prepared to not want to let the book end!
About the Authors:
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.
Brendan O'Hea is a theatre director and an Associate Artist at Shakespeare's Globe. His work as an actor includes major roles at the National Theatre, RSC and fourteen productions for Shakespeare's Globe. As a director his work has been seen on stages across the UK and abroad, including nine productions for Shakespeare's Globe.
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