Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise 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 'Crusher' of a Condition
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "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. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."
Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."
