Dame Judi Dench Opens Up About Her Vision Loss and Acting Challenges
Dame Judi Dench provided an update on her declining eyesight, disclosing that she can no longer distinguish individuals.
During a shared conversation with her former Macbeth castmate Sir Ian McKellen for ITV News, released on Wednesday, November 26, the 90-year-old Dench explained how age-related macular degeneration has affected her vision. "I can discern your [McKellen's] shape, and I'm very familiar with you... however, I cannot identify anyone anymore," Dench remarked, shifting her gaze from the 86-year-old actor to the journalist. "I'm unable to watch TV, [and I] cannot read."
Dench disclosed in 2012 her diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration, a condition the Cleveland Clinic characterizes as "predominantly a retinal ailment linked to aging" that impairs central vision, offering "therapies, but [no] complete remedy."
The acclaimed actress from Notes on a Scandal, who recently reconnected with McKellen five decades after their joint appearance in the Royal Shakespeare Company's UK stage rendition of Macbeth, also mentioned that her worsening vision prevents her from going to theatrical shows.
Judi Dench indicates that acting has become 'impossible' for her due to her failing eyesight.
McKellen injected a moment of humor into the discussion, playfully inquiring of his longtime colleague, "Do you approach complete strangers and greet them with, 'Wonderful to see you once more?'" Dench chuckled before replying, "Indeed, occasionally."
Dench disclosed in January that her impaired vision has hampered her capacity to participate in public engagements. Speaking on an installment of Trinny Woodall's "Fearless" podcast, she stated, "I always feel anxious before attending an event," further explaining that someone must "accompany me" for red carpet occasions.
She lightheartedly finished by saying, "I'm not at all skilled at that. Not in the slightest. Nor would I be presently. And luckily, I'm not required to be now," subsequently mentioning that she possesses "no sight" and "could stumble."
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Dench announced her condition through a declaration provided to Reuters over ten years prior. "Addressing the many reports in the press regarding my ocular ailment – macular degeneration – I prefer this not be exaggerated," the 2012 announcement conveyed. "This ailment is something that countless individuals globally are managing. It is something I've learned to deal with and adjust to – and it will not result in complete sightlessness."
She elaborated on the condition during a 2021 discussion with The Guardian, asserting her ability to adjust to her declining sight. "One discovers a method of navigating and overcoming the challenges that seem very arduous," Dench informed the publication then. "I've had to devise an alternative approach for memorizing scripts and such, which involves having close companions recite them to me repeatedly. Consequently, I must learn through reiteration, and I merely hope that audiences won't too greatly perceive if any of my lines are utterly inadequate."
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The acclaimed British actress is celebrated for her theatrical and cinematic roles, having earned an Academy Award for her supporting portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, who also received an Oscar for her contribution to the 1998 movie.
Dench, who has shared a partnership with environmentalist David Mills since 2010, additionally received the distinction of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1970 and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1988.
