Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.
Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said 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 degenerative 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 film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."
Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."
