Legendary actress Dame Judi Dench has shared her ongoing struggles with short-term memory loss and deteriorating eyesight, marking a poignant moment in her celebrated career. In an interview with the Radio Times, the 91-year-old star disclosed, “I can’t remember what I’m doing tomorrow, I swear to you,” as reported by The Guardian.
Despite these challenges, Dench remains intellectually vibrant, recalling “great reams of Shakespeare.” Yet, she faces significant hurdles due to her diagnosis of macular degeneration, a condition that has blurred her vision to the point where she now describes faces as being “reduced to a fog.” She has expressed her frustration at being unable to watch television, lamenting, “It’s a crusher. I miss seeing Clive Myrie doing ‘Mastermind,’ but I can hear the questions.”
Dench, who celebrated her birthday on March 9, 2024, revealed that her eyesight has deteriorated to such an extent that she requires someone to accompany her while walking. She explained, “Somebody will always be with me. I have to now because I can’t see and I will walk into something or fall over.”
Her candid remarks continued on the “Fearless” podcast, where she discussed her feelings of nervousness before attending events, noting, “I’m always nervous before going to something. I’ve no idea why. I am not good at that at all. Not at all.” She added, “Fortunately, I don’t have to be now because I pretend to have no eyesight.”
Dench’s remarkable career spans more than 60 years and includes accolades such as an Academy Award, a Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, four British Academy Television Awards, six British Academy Film Awards, and seven Olivier Awards. Among her most notable roles are Queen Elizabeth I in “Shakespeare in Love” and M in several James Bond films. Other significant films in her portfolio include “Room with a View,” “Pride & Prejudice,” and “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”
Dench’s openness about her condition highlights the realities faced by many aging individuals, sparking conversations about the importance of support systems and the emotional toll of such challenges. As she continues to navigate these difficulties, her legacy as an acting icon remains firmly intact.
