Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"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 necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part 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, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."
