Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Challenges But Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, 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. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
