At Sixty and Me, we try to avoid celebrity “gossip.” After all, celebrities deserve their privacy, just like the rest of us. At the same time, there are certain celebrities whose inspirational stories are worth telling, even if we don’t care about what they wore to the latest awards ceremony.

One such actress is Dame Judi Dench. Today on December 9th, Judi turns 82 and I thought that it would be a great opportunity to look at her accomplishments so far. Please join me in wishing Judi Dench a very happy 82nd birthday!

Judi Dench is Lovable for More than Her Acting Talent

There is no denying the fact that Dame Judi Dench is an extremely talented actress. In many ways, she defined the role “M” in the James Bond series. In fact, baby boomers recently voted her “the best M of all time.” She absolutely sparkled in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Like many women, I cried when I watched her performance in Philomena. This year, Judi was filming Victoria and Abdul and Murder on the Orient Express – she is not slowing down!

Her talent and passion on screen have led her to receive an Oscar, a Tony, 4 BAFTAs and many other awards. What is your favorite Judi Dench film? I honestly have trouble choosing!

Yes, Judi Dench is an amazing actress, but, she is so much more than that. She is a kind, passionate lady who is a role model for so many people in our community.

For starters, she stands up for causes that she believes in. This includes protecting the environment and supporting Alzheimer’s research. She actively supports Women against Lung Cancer (her husband died of the disease in 2001) and Doctors Without Borders. In addition, Judi has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Judi Dench is 82 Today – Let’s Wish Her a Very Happy Birthday!

Judi Dench is a beautiful person, inside and out. She is a woman whose personality and character have been forged by love, loss and life.

Today, Judi Dench is 82 years old.

Let’s thank her for all that she has given us. Let’s than her for being an inspiration on and off the screen. Let’s tell her that we appreciate the fact that, at age 82, she isn’t slowing down.

She is still living a full life, filled with her passions and the people she loves.

As Judi Dench once said, “’Retire’ is the rudest word in my dictionary. And ‘old’ is another one. I don’t allow that in my house. And being called ‘vintage.’ I don’t want any of those words. I like ‘enthusiastic.’” I couldn’t agree more!

Let’s follow Judi Dench’s example recommit ourselves to facing our 60s and better enthusiastically!

Please take a few seconds to wish Dame Judi Dench a very happy 82nd birthday!