Judi Dench Reveals Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Verses.
The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.
Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.
A Condition That 'Crushes'
"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "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. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.
On Friends and Exoneration
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."
In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.
Coping with New Realities
Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."
"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn the script."
Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.
Remaining in the Public Eye
Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."
