The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement 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. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance 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 Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
