Few women are as loved by the Sixty and Me community as Judi Dench. At age 80, she is a shining example of someone who follows her passions and refuses to slow down. In fact, in 2015 and 2016 the world will see 6 new Judi Dench films. I can’t wait to watch them all!

As with many celebrities, it’s easy to get caught up with all of the bright lights and red carpet shots. As a result, we rarely take the time to find out about the people who inspire us through their acting.

So, to help the women in our community to find out a bit more about Judi Dench, I’ve collected a few facts about her life. Some of these are serious, like her comments about Shakespeare. Others are more light-hearted – like the secret place that she chose to get a tattoo. I hope you enjoy this list. Please don’t forget to join the conversation at the end of this article.

13 Surprising Facts About Judi Dench (Watch the Video Above!)

The Guardian named her as one of the fifty best-dressed over 50 in 2013. We can’t agree more!

Judi is famous for her film work in the U.S., but, she got her start in the theater. Her first stage appearance was as Ophelia in Hamlet in 1957. Judi later said to the Guardian that “Shakespeare really understood women. The emotions, twists and turns that Cleopatra goes through are phenomenal.”

On a slightly more intimate note, she apparently has a tattoo with the text “JD loves HW” on her rear end. And why not? After all, tattoos are a trend that more and more older women are embracing!

You probably already know that Judi Dench was the third person to play M in the James Bond series. But, did you know that, Baby Boomers, who saw all three, later voted her as their favorite M of all time?

Judi attended an all-girls Quaker school as a child, later commenting to the Telegraph that “’I think my parents gave us a lot of confidence. But I was quite naughty, especially at school.”

Dench achieved notable success on TV and in films in the UK, as early as the 1960s, but, it wasn’t until her role as M that she became popular in America.

Judi Dench was born on December 9^th, 1934, on the same day as Junior Wells, the American musician.

She got started in acting at a young age. Her first role was as an adorable snail in a school play. She was 5 and her father made her costume.

Judi’s approach to new roles is somewhat unusual. Rather than reading them, she usually relies on her friends to help her decide parts to take. I guess she believes that our friends are often a better judge of what is good for us than we are.

She met her late husband, Michael Williams at a local pub. The couple married in 1971. Sadly, Michael passed away on January 11, 2001.

Dench once said “My husband was actually very keen that I would become a Bond girl.” I bet he was!

As an actress, Judi Dench has won an Oscar, a Tony award, six Oliviers, six film and four television BAFTA Awards. In addition to acting, Judi Dench directed Look Back in Anger, which released in 1989.

Judi Dench isn’t slowing down! At age 80, she has 6 films releasing in 2015 and 2016. One of the most highly anticipated is “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.”

I don’t know about you, but, I absolutely adore Judi Dench, both on and off the screen. As the founder of Sixty and Me, I especially appreciate the work that she has done to change stereotypes about aging. She is an example of someone who is living her dreams. But, you don’t have to be a famous actress to get the most from life after 60. All you need to do is follow your passions.

Are you a fan of Judi Dench? What is your favorite film that she appeared in? What one question would you like to ask her if you had the chance? Please join the conversation.

Sources: Mindfood, The Guardian, The Guardian, The Telegraph, IMDB, Biography.