Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles But Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back 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 difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered 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 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."
