Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means 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 long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease 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 acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears often at events, however, including at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
