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New memoir · October 22, 2026

Judi Dench Memoir: Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, What the Book Covers

Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is Judi Dench’s memoir of seven decades on stage and screen, written with her longtime collaborator Brendan O’Hea. It runs from her childhood in York to her best-known roles, with plenty of backstage stories along the way.

Book guide, not a review · Updated October 2026

At a glance
  • Book: Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?
  • Author: Judi Dench
  • Published: October 22, 2026, Michael Joseph (UK) / St. Martin’s Press (US)
  • Themes: life in the theatre, self-doubt and resilience, marriage and family

What is Judi Dench’s new book?

Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is Judi Dench’s memoir of seven decades on stage and screen, written with her longtime collaborator Brendan O’Hea. It runs from her childhood in York to her best-known roles, with plenty of backstage stories along the way.

About Judi Dench

Dame Judi Dench is one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, with a stage and screen career spanning seven decades that includes playing M in the James Bond films.

What the book covers

  • Her childhood in York and the family and teachers who shaped her
  • Pranks and stories from backstage and on set
  • Her favourite film roles, including M in the Bond films
  • Her marriage to the actor Michael Williams
  • The self-doubt behind the title: keeping a bag outside rehearsal rooms in case she needed to make a run for it

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Who it’s for

Theatre lovers, Bond fans and anyone who enjoys warm, anecdote-rich showbusiness memoirs.

What it shows about writing a memoir

Dench wrote the book in conversation with a trusted collaborator, which is how many memoirs come together: talking first, then shaping the recordings into a book. Our memoir ghostwriter guide explains how that process works.

Where to buy Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?

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Frequently asked questions

What is Judi Dench’s new book?

Judi Dench’s new book is Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, a memoir published by Michael Joseph (UK) / St. Martin’s Press (US), out October 22, 2026.

What is Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? about?

Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is Judi Dench’s memoir of seven decades on stage and screen, written with her longtime collaborator Brendan O’Hea. It runs from her childhood in York to her best-known roles, with plenty of backstage stories along the way.

When was Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? released?

Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? by Judi Dench was published by Michael Joseph (UK) / St. Martin’s Press (US) on October 22, 2026.

Who is Judi Dench?

Dame Judi Dench is one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, with a stage and screen career spanning seven decades that includes playing M in the James Bond films.

Where can I buy Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It??

Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is available from major retailers including Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble and Audible, and from local bookstores.

Can I write a memoir even if I’m not famous?

Yes. Most memoirs are written by people who are not public figures, often for family or a small readership. Many people work with a memoir ghostwriter who interviews them and writes the book in their voice. Our Writer Match Quiz can help you find the right kind of writer.

This page describes the book using information from the publisher and press coverage. It is not a review, and My Book Written is not affiliated with the author or publisher.

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