Judi Dench Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.
Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring 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
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
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: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a small role 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 Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."