If you are a fan of British drama, you might have heard of Oliver Dench, the rising star of ITV’s Hotel Portofino. The handsome actor plays Lucian Ainsworth, a young man who dreams of becoming a painter and escaping his father’s expectations. But did you know that Oliver Dench shares more than just a surname with the legendary Dame Judi Dench? Here is everything you need to know about their family connection and their careers.
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Oliver Dench: From Theatre to Television
Oliver Dench was born on September 9, 1992, in York, England. He developed a passion for acting at an early age and joined the theatre. He also became the Artistic Director of Revolve Theatre Company, a group that produces original plays and adaptations.
Oliver made his screen debut in 2013, when he starred in a short film called One Night at the Aristo. He then landed his first major role in 2018, when he played Will Palmerston, a charming British student, in Ride, a teen drama set in an equestrian boarding school.
Since then, Oliver has appeared in several TV shows, such as Pandora, a sci-fi series where he played Xander Duvall, the love interest of the main character Jax; The Athena, a drama about young artists trying to make it in London; Noughts + Crosses, a dystopian adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s novels; and Whitstable Pearl, a crime series where he played Max Azarov, a mysterious Russian businessman.
Oliver’s most recent role is Lucian Ainsworth in Hotel Portofino, a lavish period drama set in the Italian Riviera in the 1920s. Lucian is the son of Cecil Ainsworth, a wealthy businessman who wants him to marry Rose Drummond-Ward, a heiress with a large fortune. However, Lucian is not interested in Rose or his father’s plans. He wants to pursue his artistic talent and find true love. He also suffers from physical and mental scars from his experience in World War I.
Judi Dench: A Living Legend
Judi Dench is one of the most acclaimed and respected actresses of all time. She was born on December 9, 1934, in York, England. She started her career on stage, performing with various theatre companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. She made her film debut in 1964, when she played Ophelia in Hamlet.
Judi has won numerous awards for her performances on stage and screen, including an Oscar for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love; seven BAFTAs for films such as Mrs Brown, Iris, Philomena and Skyfall; four Golden Globes for films such as Mrs Henderson Presents and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel; and ten Laurence Olivier Awards for plays such as Macbeth, A Little Night Music and The Winter’s Tale.
Judi is also known for her iconic roles as M in the James Bond franchise; Queen Victoria in Victoria & Abdul; Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride & Prejudice; Miss Matty Jenkyns in Cranford; and Esme Allen in Amy’s View.
Judi is still active and working at the age of 87. She recently starred in Belfast, a semi-autobiographical film by Kenneth Branagh; Blithe Spirit, a comedy based on Noel Coward’s play; and Six Minutes to Midnight, a thriller set in Nazi Germany.
How Are Oliver and Judi Related?
Oliver and Judi are indeed related by blood. Judi is Oliver’s great-aunt. Oliver’s maternal grandfather was Jeffery Dench, Judi’s older brother. Jeffery was also an actor who appeared in several theatre productions and TV shows such as Z-Cars and The Avengers.
Oliver has said that he admires Judi and considers her an inspiration for his career. He has also revealed that Judi gave him some advice when he was starting out as an actor. According to Entertainment Daily, Oliver said: “She told me to enjoy it – that’s what she said – enjoy it.”
Oliver has also expressed his wish to work with Judi someday. He told First Curiosity: “I would love to work with her one day – that would be amazing.”
Conclusion
Oliver Dench and Judi Dench are two talented actors who share a family bond and a passion for their craft. Oliver is following in Judi’s footsteps and making a name for himself in the British drama scene. Judi is a living legend who continues to impress audiences with her versatility and charisma. They are both proud of their surname and their heritage..
