Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles But Retains The Bard's Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."
