The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Struggles But Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections 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 confirmed that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" 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 presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring 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 festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, 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 many companions who will help me learn the script."
Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."
