Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear often at events, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
