The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when 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 presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with 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 constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."
