The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine.
Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason 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't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's difficult 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 brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
