Judi Dench Shares Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "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 being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision 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, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit 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, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
