The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – 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 assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition 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 miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show 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 sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Her last 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 brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, 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 would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."
