Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Struggles But Retains Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.
Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's difficult 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."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
