Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"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. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow 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 now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. 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 film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn 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. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
