The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – 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 assistants verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping 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.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back 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 any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit 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 earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent 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 touch it "if they let me."
