Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall 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 at times required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer 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 fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she needs 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 degenerative disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
