Judi Dench Reveals Memory Struggles But Retains The Bard's Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.
Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned 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."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration 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 effective stepping back from film work. "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 have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
