Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles But Retains Shakespeare Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her team verified 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 Condition That 'Crushes'
"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."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting 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 Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "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 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear 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 to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."