Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles But Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.
Her team verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult 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 brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part 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 like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, 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."
