Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.
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 up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast 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 I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"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 teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
