The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles But Retains The Bard's Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite 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. 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 still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by 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 acquitted 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 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 degenerative issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
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: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me 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. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
