Judi Dench Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.
Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed 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 cope."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear often at events, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."
