Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her assistants verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed 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 haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn the script."
Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear often at events, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."
