Judi Dench Shares Recollection Challenges Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added 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, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."
