Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. 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
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, 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 haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie 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
She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."
