🔗 Share this article

The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement 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. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."