Dame Judi Dench set to make history in the most iconic way-Joel Harley-Entertainment – Metro

Another historical achievement from Dame Judi Dench (Shutterstock)

National treasure Dame Judi Dench is set to make history yet again, smashing the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to join an exclusive private members’ club of actors and artists.

For the first time in its 193-year history, the exclusive and elusive Garrick Club will open its doors to women.

Named after actor David Garrick, the private members’ club counts names such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Macfadyen and Damian Lewis among its number. Past members also included writers Charles Dickens, HG Wells and AA Milne.

However, the club, based in London’s West End theatre district, has never counted a woman among its membership… until now.

A vote passed earlier this week, with roughly 60 per cent of the 1500 members voting in favour of allowing women to join the boys’ club, according to The Telegraph.

And Dame Judi Dench, 89, is set to become the first woman to join, with the likes of Stephen Fry and Nigel Havers reportedly speaking in favour of the screen icon.

Dame Judi Dench is about to be the first woman to join the exclusive club (Picture: Shutterstock)

Dame Judi’s name was included in a list of seven prominent women mooted for inclusion, with former home secretary Amber Rudd and Channel 4 News Presenter Cathy Newman also considered for membership.

The Hollywood star made her debut as a professional actress in 1957, performing on stage for the Old Vic theatre company. She rose to fame as a Shakespearian actress, appearing as Ophelia in Hamlet, Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, and as Lady Macbeth in – you guessed it – Macbeth.

Branching out into film and television work, Dame Judi starred in the ITV comedy series A Fine Romance (1981 – 1984) and As Time Goes By (1992 – 2005) for BBC One.

Dame Judi starred as M opposite Daniel Craig’s James Bond (Picture: Shutterstock)

Dame Judi has numerous awards for her work under her belt, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for playing Queen Elizabeth I in 1998’s Shakespeare in Love, and has been nominated for numerous other films, including Mrs Brown, Chocolat, Iris, Philomena and Belfast.

She is perhaps most notable for playing the role of M across several decades of James Bond, first appearing alongside Pierce Brosnan in Goldeneye and continuing to do so up until Daniel Craig’s run as 007 – being killed off in his Skyfall.

A portrait of the legendary actress already hangs in the club, painted by Scottish artist Jennifer McRae.

The actress is already a prominent presence within the club (Picture: Shutterstock)

Dame Judi’s late husband, actor Michael Williams, is said to have been a member of the Garrick Club prior to his death in 2001, with the actress often visiting the institution as his guest.

The decision by the Garrick Club followed hours of debate. Members previously debated the matter last November but the motion was ultimately not carried – with not enough votes to meet the two-thirds majority required.

‘It’s not my kind of vibe… I won’t be queuing up to join…. but well done the Garrick Club for catching up,’ Labour politician Rachel Reeves told talk radio station LBC, on the decision to rethink.

Dame Judi’s husband Michael Williams was a member of the club (Picture: Getty Images)

Established in 1831, The Garrick Club is one of the oldest private membership clubs in the world.

Other such institutions include White’s Club, founded in 1693 and boasting both royalty and politicians among its members, from King Charles III to David Cameron.

Meanwhile, Boodles Club, founded in 1762, is known for its gambling and fine dining. Past members included Winston Churchill and James Bond creator Ian Fleming.

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