The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can easily recall 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 confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, 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 permitted."
