🔗 Share this article

The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall 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 confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact 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."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"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 small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears often at events, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."