Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges But Retains The Bard's Verses.

The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue 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 acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."