90-year-old actress Dame Judi Dench has opened up about how her progressive condition has affected her independence and led her to rule out future theatre and film work
She has portrayed Juliet, Queen Victoria, and the head of the British Secret Service, but Dame Judi Dench’s illustrious acting career is now regrettably nearing its end.
During a joint interview with her lifelong friend, Sir Ian McKellen, she revealed that at 90, she finds it difficult to recognise people due to her advancing macular degeneration, which has led to her being misunderstood.
Age-related macular degeneration, which typically presents initial symptoms in individuals over 50, leads to a gradual loss of central vision. The initial symptom is frequently a blurred or distorted patch, which becomes increasingly darker over time until sight is entirely lost.
Dame Judi first discussed the condition in 2012, when she disclosed that she needed someone else to read scripts aloud to her due to her deteriorating vision.
She notably avoids naming the condition, telling Sir Ian: “I can’t see anyone. I’ve got, you know, that thing. I can’t recognise anybody. I can’t see the television, I can’t see to read.”
She shared that people often perceive her as aloof because she doesn’t acknowledge them, whilst the reality is she simply cannot see. The star told ITV News: “People think, ‘Oh, get her. She’s got very grand.’ It’s because I can’t see!”
When Sir Ian enquired whether she ever approaches “total strangers” saying “lovely to see you again”, Dame Judi laughed before confessing that this “sometimes” occurs. She poignantly revealed that she can no longer venture out unaccompanied, confiding to podcaster Trinny Woodall: “I have to [have someone with me now] because I can’t see and I’ll walk into something and fall over.”
The theatrical icon went on to describe losing her independence as “ghastly,” explaining: “It’s terrible to be so dependent on people.”
The celebrated performer, who has secured an Oscar, a Tony, two Golden Globes, four BAFTA television awards, six BAFTA film awards and seven Oliviers throughout her 68-year professional journey, responded candidly when questioned about any forthcoming theatre projects, simply saying “no”.
She has similarly ruled out any prospective film commitments going forward. When questioned in 2024 about potential future roles, she regretfully answered: “No, no, I can’t even see!”.
Nevertheless, Dame Judi seems determined to show you can’t keep a woman down..
This festive season, Dame Judi appears in a television advertisement for disaster relief charity ShelterBox, where she’s spotted regifting a red lacy thong to her friend and fellow thespian, Dame Imelda Staunton.
She’s also reconnecting with Sir Ian, alongside whom she performed in what many consider the finest ever staging of Shakespeare’s Macbeth some 50 years ago, to champion a fresh programme aimed at introducing the Bard’s works to younger audiences.
