Judi Dench Shares Memory Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite 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 age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship 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 acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, 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 progressive issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "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 holiday film 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
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."
