The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Struggles But Retains Shakespeare 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 immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed 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 deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role 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, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."
