Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.
Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting 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 set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition 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 de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film 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
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
