🔗 Share this article

The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.

Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause 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, 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 so many friends who will help me learn 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 earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."