The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Challenges But Retains The Bard's Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.
Her team verified that such reminders are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "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 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 Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
