The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Struggles But Retains The Bard's Lines.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her team verified that this kind of help are at times required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch 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."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"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 help me learn the script."
Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."
