The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"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 sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by 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 has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement 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 difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions 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. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
