Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"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. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since 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; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."
