The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Struggles But Retains The Bard's Verses.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with 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 effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," 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 film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears often at events, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
