The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said 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 degenerative issue that is the primary reason of vision 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, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's challenging 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."
Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
