Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles But Retains The Bard's Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.
Her team verified that such reminders 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 devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of sight 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 explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"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 teach me the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear often at events, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."
