The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Challenges But Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.
Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding 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 fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found 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 more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."
