Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.
Her team confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. 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 so many friends who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."
