Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles But Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine.
Her team verified that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, 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 airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," 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 a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
