The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.
"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine.
Her team verified that such reminders are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.
"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see 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 about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.
The star also discussed remaining in touch 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 now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "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 many companions who will teach me the script."
Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
She continues to appear frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."
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