The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.
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 when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "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
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."
