Is Judi Dench being snubbed by talk shows?

updated 5:52 p.m. ET Feb. 6, 2006

NEW YORK - Harvey Weinstein says Judi Dench was snubbed by three network talk shows because of her age while promoting “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” according to New York magazine.

Dench, 71, was nominated Tuesday for an Oscar for her performance in the film, which was distributed by Weinstein’s new production company, The Weinstein Co.

Weinstein, who co-founded Miramax Films, says Dench was turned down for interviews by NBC’s “Today” show and ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The View.”

“They said that she didn’t fit their demographics,” the outspoken movie mogul tells the magazine in this week’s issue.

“I told that to my mother, who was pretty ... offended,” he is quoted as saying. “I mean, what do they think, 25-year-old people can’t watch 70-year-old people? The insanity of youth. It also assumes none of us like our families.”

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The International House of Publicity, which promoted “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” declined to comment.

Bill Geddie, executive producer of “The View,” released a statement to the AP that Dench had appeared a number of times on the show, including to promote “Shakespeare in Love.” The actress won an Oscar for her performance in the 1998 film.

“I was never pitched Dame Judi Dench to appear on ‘The View’ in support of ‘Mrs. Henderson Presents,’ and we would welcome her back to the show anytime we have an opening,” Geddie said.

Bridgette Maney, a spokeswoman for “Good Morning America,” also released a statement: “‘Good Morning America’ welcomes a wide array of guests to the program each and every day. Judi Dench is a screen legend who has been a guest on ‘GMA’ in the past.

“Unfortunately, this time around, the show was unable to accommodate an appearance. We would warmly welcome her back again.”

Lauren Kapp, a spokeswoman for the “Today” show replied: “We’ve been honored to have Dame Judy Dench as a guest countless times over the years. In this case we weren’t able to offer coverage of her new movie. We look forward to seeing her again on ‘Today’ soon.”

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