The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even 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 presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact 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."
Earlier this year, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, 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 have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears often at events, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."
