Judi Dench Reveals Memory Challenges Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"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 age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "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 issue that is the leading cause of sight 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 explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."
"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."
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 Oscar nomination for Belfast.
A Continued Public Presence
She continues to appear often at events, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."
