Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.
The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.
Her team confirmed that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."
Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.
Regarding Friends and Acquittals
The star also discussed 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 disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.
Adapting to Change
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, 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 help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role 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 including a recent 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 touch it "if permitted."
