The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance 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 primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's challenging 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."
Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
