The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear often at events, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
