Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles But Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.
Her team verified that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still 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 another programme airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, 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. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like 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 touch it "if they let me."
