Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine.
Her assistants verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said 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 primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. 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."
Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears often at events, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."
