The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
