Judi Dench Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Lines.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her assistants verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult 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 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears often at events, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."
