Judi Dench Reveals Memory Challenges 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, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.
Her team verified that such reminders are at times required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at charity events 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 finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."
