Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.
Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Her last screen credit was a small role 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 Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including 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 would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."
