Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Challenges But Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," 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 have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn 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 earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
