Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of 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 vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. 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 brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."
