S Poddar
Dame Judi Dench, one of Britain’s greatest actresses, has an unexpected daily dose of comedy—and it comes from her feathery companion, Sweetie. In a candid conversation with The Sunday Times, Dench revealed that her African grey parrot doesn’t hold back when it comes to colorful language. Sweetie, a pet she clearly adores, is known to call her “slut” and “slag,” leaving the actress both amused and slightly mortified.
The 89-year-old acting legend shared how Sweetie’s cheeky vocabulary often catches her off guard, especially when visitors are around. The parrot’s boldness knows no bounds, with the playful insults occasionally extended to unsuspecting guests. Dench, who is known for her quick wit and humor, appears to take it all in stride, laughing off the bird’s antics.
African grey parrots are known to be highly intelligent and very good at mimicking human speech, so Sweetie’s verbal outbursts are even more entertaining. However, they are also notorious for picking up phrases without discretion—a fact Dench has had to navigate with a sense of humor. “She’s a very clever bird,” Dench said during the interview, hinting that Sweetie might have overheard these phrases during casual conversations.
For someone as dignified and esteemed as Dench, Sweetie’s remarks might seem at odds with the gracious public persona. But all this quirky tidbit does add another layer to the loving actress’s charm: laughter at life’s unexpected absurdities.
Dench never shied away from her love for animals and has especially been fond of Sweetie. The actress had spoken of how much joy pets bring to her life, which helps with the pressures of working schedules. Sweetie, with her cheeky vocabulary or perhaps because of them, is definitely a beloved member of the Dench family.
The parrot’s impudent remarks have become a running joke among those who know Dench well. Friends and family have reportedly taken to awaiting Sweetie’s colorful commentary, viewing them as part of the unique dynamic between the actress and her beloved pet.
In a world where celebrities curate every detail of their public image, Dench’s openness about Sweetie’s antics feels refreshingly authentic. Fans of the Oscar-winning actress have praised her candidness, seeing it as a testament to her down-to-earth nature.
Dench’s career stretches over more than six decades of acting from the stern M in James Bond to her highly praised appearance in Shakespeare in Love, winning her an Oscar. And though such legends of a career as professional as hers are told often, such stories also recall that she is always willing to take in life’s light, playful moments.
Sweetie’s boastful behavior will sometimes bring a blush to the cheek, but there is also enough laughter and levity that comes with it into Dench’s household. This peculiarly unlikely friendship of a global superstar actress with an outspoken parrot is a quaint reminder of the sweet surprises that pets add to our lives.
Dench’s Sweetie story has more than quickly become a fan favorite, wining many fans to her side as much for their appreciation of her vast talent as for her warm and endearing personality. Even the greatest actress of her generation is not safe from the occasional temperate insult from a roguish bird.
As Dench continues to balance her legendary acting career with her private life, Sweetie remains a delightful constant—a little feathered companion who keeps her on her toes, providing both laughter and love in equal measure.
