Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles But Retains The Bard's Verses.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."
Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."
