Dame Judi Denchbroke boundaries in the world of James Bond by becoming the first actress to portray 007’s boss, M, in 1995’sGoldenEye.The role originated on screen courtesy of the late Bernard Lee inDr. Noback in 1962. Coincidentally,GoldenEyealso markedPierce Brosnan’sinitial portrayal of the British secret agent. And Dench vividly remembers seeing Brosnan on set for the very first time as filming got underway, calling him “an adorable man.” Dench said in an interview withPeople:
“Be still, beating heart [clasps hands over her chest]. He was just an adorable man. He was absolutely glorious to work with, and as a person […] His first day on Bond was my first day. But he was Bond! The both of us, I think, [were] pretty jumpy.”
Dench appeared in the 007 films as M a total of seven times, which matches the same quantity of movies that Roger Moore portrayed James Bond in. Technically, Sean Connery also played Bond seven times, too, but his last stint in the role doesn’t officially count.Never Say Never Againisn’t canon. In fact, Connery’sNever Say Never Againand Moore’sOctopussyboth opened in 1983. And in cinemas, Moore got the better of Connery: $67.9 million worldwide vs. $55.4 million (perBox Office Mojo).
However, when it comes down to which actor has appeared in the most James Bond movies, that distinction goes to Desmond Llewelyn. Llewelyn portrayed the gadget-creating genius Q for four decades, from 1963’sFrom Russia with Loveuntil 1999’sThe World Is Not Enough.
An M and Bond for All Seasons
Judi Dench had the opportunity to star alongside the last twoactors to portray the British secret agent:the aforementioned Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. And while promoting her last go-round as M prior to the release ofSkyfallin 2012, Dench spoke about the differences between Brosnan and Craig’s respective takes on the famous MI6 operative. Dench said in an interview withComingSoon.net:
“Well, it’s Bond, but the difference between the two is very extreme. Daniel’s much more a kind of Bond of today, but both of them have a self-mocking quality about them, which is essential for him too, much like the ironic thing of being able to say something outrageous and be very relaxed about it. British phlegm, stiff upper lip, you know, you’re able to mock that at any time.”
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Dench portraying M in the 007 franchise is truly one ofthe best casting choices in James Bond history.However, when it comes to the actress’ feelings for the character, it turns out to not be a question of liking or disliking M. Dench said in the same interview:
“I don’t like or dislike. I don’t ever do that with a character, like or dislike, because I think there are many things to dislike about the character you play and many things to quite admire, but I don’t ever decide which is which. I like the challenge. I love the challenge of playing it, love it. What I like is the effect it has on my grandson and his friend [laughs]. They don’t mess in my house. Thanks very much.”
At the time of this writing, Dench’s last appearance as M inSkyfallis streaming onMax,while her first go-round inGoldenEyeis available on various digital and VOD platforms.
