Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
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, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. 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 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."
