Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges But Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. 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 a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, 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 age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Dench's most recent film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
