The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard 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 stated to the Radio Times.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from 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 fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn 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 earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
