The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Struggles But Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to 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 "blurred" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of sight 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 said in 2023, 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 help me learn the script."
Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought 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 with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
