Show summary Hide summary
Dame Judi Dench, the legendary 91-year-old British actress, has announced an eagerly awaited new memoir. The book, titled ‘Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?’ arrives this fall from St. Martin’s Press. Written with her friend and collaborator Brendan O’Hea, this memoir reveals untold stories from her extraordinary life and career.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: October 22, 2026 in UK, November 3, 2026 in North America
- Co-Author: Brendan O’Hea, her longtime writing partner and friend of 30 years
- Announcement: Made on March 3, 2026 by publisher St. Martin’s Press
- Previous Work: Both collaborated on ‘Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent’ in 2024
A Candid Look Behind the Icon
In ‘Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?’ Dame Judi Dench takes readers on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her remarkable journey. The memoir spans from her childhood in York through her most celebrated roles on both stage and screen. Dench reflects on the experiences and doubts that shaped her into the extraordinary person she is today.
The actress has long been accompanied by self-doubt throughout her career, yet this hesitation pushed her to take tremendous risks and step outside her comfort zone. Her story celebrates both the triumphs and the knockbacks that molded her iconic legacy.
Dame Judi Dench announces memoir ‘Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?’ arriving fall 2026
Carmelo Hayes loses WWE US title to Sami Zayn in open challenge
Stories from Stage, Screen, and Behind the Scenes
Dench reveals an abundance of tales from her storied career in ‘Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?’ The memoir covers her celebrated role as ‘M’ in the James Bond franchise, which made her a household name globally. Beyond her professional achievements, the book explores her passion for nature and her beloved marriage to late actor Michael Williams.
The actress promises readers pranks both on and off stage, demonstrating the mischievous side she’s kept partially hidden from the public. Brendan O’Hea notes in a statement that working on their Shakespeare project made him realize how much more Dench’s remarkable story had to offer.
The Creative Partnership Behind the Book
| Detail | Information |
| Book Title | Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It? |
| Author | Dame Judi Dench |
| Co-Author | Brendan O’Hea |
| Release Date (UK) | October 22, 2026 |
| Release Date (US) | November 3, 2026 |
O’Hea and Dench have spent hours together recalling stories from her childhood through her present day experiences. The cowriters share a deep creative bond built over their 30-year friendship. Their previous collaboration, ‘Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent’ released in 2024, explored her legendary theatrical roles and received widespread acclaim.
“Hearing her recount stories from her past has made me appreciate how certain events, experiences, doubts and knock-backs have conspired to make her the extraordinary person and actor she is.”
Brendan O’Hea, Writing Partner
Following Her Acclaimed 2010 Memoir
‘Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?’ builds upon Dame Judi Dench’s previous memoir ‘And Furthermore’, published in 2016. That bestselling book captured her life and career with remarkable candor. The new memoir promises to be even more moving and deeply inspiring, delving deeper into her extraordinary life journey.
Dench herself expressed her pride in the finished work, noting that O’Hea got far too much out of her during their lengthy conversations. She hopes readers will enjoy the intimate portrait they’ve built together, showcasing a different side of one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses.
What Does the Future Hold for Dame Judi Dench’s Story?
With ‘Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?’ set to arrive in fall 2026, fans worldwide eagerly await this candid portrait of the legendary actress. The book is already available for preorder across all major retailers. Published simultaneously in hardback, e-book, and audio formats, the memoir ensures accessibility for all readers.
Dame Judi Dench continues to captivate audiences at 91 years old, proving that her extraordinary story is far from over. Her willingness to share tales of doubt, mischief, and triumph offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life of an icon. The question isn’t whether her story is worth telling, but whether readers are ready for the full truth behind the curtain.
Sources
- People Magazine – Exclusive memoir announcement by Dame Judi Dench on March 3, 2026
- St. Martin’s Press – Official publisher announcement and book details
- The Bookseller – Publishing industry coverage of world rights acquisition
