The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, stating she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but 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 verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."
