Judi Dench attends unveiling of memorial for John Gielgud

and Ian McKellen paid tribute to veteran actor John Gielgud as a memorial stone was unveiled at Westminster Abbey honouring the star on Tuesday. 

The Oscar-award winning British actor and director, who was a master of Shakespearean roles, died aged 96 in May 2000.

A memorial stone honouring his life and work was unveiled by Judi, 87, as she pulled the cover off the incredible tribute.

Judi read Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29 as a tribute to John at the Abbey’s Poets’ Corner.

The famous actress looked glamorous wearing a black suit and a silk patterned scarf. 

Ian, 82, also paid tribute to to the actor who starred in more than 60 feature films and TV productions. 

The actor looked dapper in a black suit, a bright blue shirt and a patterned tie as he read an extract at the unveiling. 

Before reading an extract, Ian said: ‘All I know of him is a witty tongue and a keen eye, but also a generosity.’

Recalling his first meeting with John, the Lord of the Rings actor added: ‘When I die the only reason I’ll be remembered is because I’m the first queer actor to be knighted.

‘Isn’t that sad.

He was a victim of cruel laws.’

English film and theatre director Richard Eyre described John’s acting as ‘casting a spell that’s lasted a lifetime’.

Reflecting on the stars career, which spanned seven decades, Richard, 79, said: ‘It seems odd to say it now, but he convinced West End audiences of the joys of Shakespeare.

‘He consistently took risks and accepted challenges.’

English playwright and director David Hare also paid tribute to Sir John, saying: ‘John Gielgud was loved by audiences as much for his character, for who he was, as for his brilliant acting.’

Sir John won the best supporting actor Academy Award in 1982 for playing Dudley Moore’s valet in Arthur.

Sir John was knighted in 1953 and was appointed to the Order of Merit in 1996.