Robin Williams offered quiet support when Judi Dench's husband was dying
Dench writes that Williams walked uphill alongside her ill husband, saying he'd 'ride shotgun anyway' to keep him company.
Nearly 30 years ago, Judi Dench and her husband Michael were staying at Billy Connolly's home in Scotland. Michael was battling lung cancer and flagging badly as they left a party in the woods to walk up a steep hill.
Robin Williams appeared beside them and offered to help, but Michael declined. Williams replied: 'Well, I think I'll ride shotgun anyway', a gentle way of staying close without forcing his help on them.
Dench reflects in her new memoir that his quiet sensitivity stayed with her. She and Williams had worked together on 1996's 'Hamlet' and he presented her the Oscar for 'Shakespeare in Love' in 1999.
Michael died in January 2001 at 65.
- Nearly 30 years ago
- Time of incident
- January 11, 2001
- Michael's death date
- 65
- Michael's age at death
- 1971
- Dench-Michael marriage year
Why it mattersThe story captures how genuine kindness in a person's darkest moment leaves a lasting mark, years later.
AustraliaDench's memoir arrives in Australian bookstores this week, offering Australian readers a personal glimpse into how two celebrated actors connected off-screen.
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