The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her assistants verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed 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 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 challenging 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 film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."