The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
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 was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause 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't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging 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 film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."