The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her assistants verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting 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
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision 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, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role 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 fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside 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."
