Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.
Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" 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 still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her 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 acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."
