Judi Dench Affectionately Called a ‘Mischief Maker’ by Rosamund Pike as Co‑Star Praise and Behind‑the‑Scenes Tales Surface
Rosamund Pike has named Judi Dench the best actress she has ever worked with, calling Judi Dench a "mischief maker" and praising her stage and screen gifts in an interview with comedian Romesh Ranganathan on a radio show. Pike, 47, who is known for roles in Gone Girl and Saltburn, highlighted Dench’s ability to switch instantly into character and described moments of off‑stage playfulness that contrast with her on‑stage intensity — remarks that underline why Dench remains a touchstone for fellow actors.
Why Judi Dench is a 'mischief maker' for Rosamund Pike
Pike singled out Judi Dench as "the best actress I’ve ever worked with, " calling her "so delightful" and "so, so good. " She praised Dench’s seamless transitions into character and suggested a short recording of Dench reading a Shakespeare sonnet will move listeners to tears, saying it exemplifies how English can be spoken. Pike described the veteran performer as "funny" and "naughty" off stage — laughing, playing practical jokes — yet instantly entirely in character when performing.
The pair’s shared credits were noted as part of Pike’s admiration: their work together includes the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day and a 2009 London production of Madame de Sade, and Pike’s account also references a 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice in which both appeared.
Rosamund Pike on acting peers: Christian Bale and method craft
Pike also named Christian Bale as the best actor she has worked with, describing him as "another level. " The two starred in the film Hostiles, and Pike said she felt she knew Bale’s character more than the man himself, describing him as "quite method" and "very method. " She praised the depth of his commitment, the level of truth and integrity in his performances, and his apparent ability to shut out distractions and focus on the work from a young age.
Pike contrasted Bale’s immersive approach with her own: she said she can be silly up to the last minute and then switch on when required, noting she has seen multiple ways to achieve excellence in acting.
Examples of Judi Dench’s off‑stage naughtiness and co‑star reactions
Further anecdotes about Judi Dench’s playful side surfaced alongside Pike’s praise. Instances cited include Dench surprising a James Bond co‑star with an accidental naked FaceTime and marking an 81st birthday by getting her first tattoo. Another co‑star’s reaction was recalled: Lesley Manville has said she once wetted herself while working with Dench after Dench deliberately tried to make her laugh from the wings of the stage. These items build a picture of a performer who can unsettle and delight colleagues off stage while delivering commanding work on stage and screen.
Stage plans and schedules mentioned by Rosamund Pike
Pike is set to appear in a West End production titled Inter Alia, with a run scheduled from 19 March until 20 June at Wyndham’s Theatre. That engagement was referenced while Pike discussed her career and collaborators, linking her current stage plans to the professional relationships that have shaped her work.
Parallel headlines and editorial services noted in the same coverage
The broader collection of material alongside Pike’s interview included other recent headlines about Judi Dench: a candid update on deteriorating eyesight, an item about a parrot giving a crude four‑letter nickname to the Dame, and a piece on Dench’s famously sweary reaction to a certain movie. The same coverage bundle also referenced various editorial and media services described as live multimedia updates direct to newsrooms, rich ready‑to‑publish content across nine core channels, an agenda‑setting newswire, comprehensive print production services, engaging high‑quality video across diverse strands, TV metadata solutions, communications training for spokespeople and PR teams, photography and video for brand connection, virtual events for PR and communications, and editorial efforts to keep audiences abreast of news that matters.
Other headlines and business items appearing beside the entertainment coverage included mentions of a major bank CEO warning about financial risks, a reported criminal probe into a tech founder for alleged abetting of terrorist activities, a multiyear technology deal between large firms, and an agreement for a government department to use a high‑profile AI product. These items were part of the wider news assortment packaged with the interview material.
Editors will email a roundup of favourite stories from across their coverage lists to readers. The interview and related items paint a portrait of Judi Dench as a performer whose warmth, mischief and technical mastery continue to inspire colleagues such as Rosamund Pike, while also sitting amid a busy mix of headlines and industry services mentioned in parallel.
