The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.
"I can't remember 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 degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.
"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."
The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.
Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."
In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.
Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."
"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."
Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.
She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."
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