Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.
Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship 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 remaining in touch with 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."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause 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't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that 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 frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."
