Judi Dench Shares Recollection Challenges But Retains The Bard's Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her team verified that such reminders are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by 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 sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. 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 more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
