The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet 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 a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. 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.
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 haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."
Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
