Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when 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, "however I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading 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 set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn the script."
Her last screen credit 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 earned 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. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."