The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Retains The Bard's Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet 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 team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. 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," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance 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 earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears often at events, however, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
