The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.
Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
Elara is a financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and entrepreneurship.
