The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "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 vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed 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 difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions 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 larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."
