🔗 Share this article

The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections 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 this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"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, "however I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed 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 have not discovered 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 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."