Judi Dench Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears often at events, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."
