Judi Dench, the iconic actress with a 60-year career, has hinted that her time in the spotlight may be coming to an end. While attending the Chelsea Flower Show in London, Dench was asked about any upcoming projects she had in the works. To everyone’s surprise, she responded by saying, “No, no. I can’t even see.” These words shed light on her ongoing battle with advanced macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that she has been open about since being diagnosed in 2012.
AMD is a common condition among older adults and is the leading cause of permanent and rapid loss of vision. According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 million Americans aged 40 and older were living with AMD in 2019. Dench’s struggle with vision loss has made it increasingly difficult for her to read scripts and learn her lines, something she used to find very easy.
In an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show” last year, Dench admitted that her photographic memory used to come in handy when memorizing scripts. She could effortlessly learn and remember lines, even claiming that she could recite the entirety of “Twelfth Night” at any given moment. However, her vision loss has forced her to find alternative methods of learning lines.
Dench now relies on the help of her friends, who read lines out loud to her. This repetition-based method has become her new way of memorizing scripts. She humorously remarked that she just hopes people won’t notice if her delivery of lines becomes somewhat hopeless. Despite the challenges she faces, Dench remains resilient and finds ways to overcome the difficulties presented by her condition.
While she currently does not have any projects in the pipeline, Dench was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Belfast” in 2022. Additionally, she made appearances in the Christmas movie “Spirited” alongside Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, as well as the comedy “Allelujah” in the same year. These recent projects demonstrate that Dench’s passion for acting continues to drive her, despite the obstacles she encounters.
Dame Judi Dench’s story serves as an inspiration to many who may be facing similar challenges. Her determination to adapt and find new ways of pursuing her craft showcases her resilience and love for acting. As she navigates through her vision loss, she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a shining example of strength and perseverance.
