Judi Dench Is Going Blind And Can’t Work On Movie Sets Anymore
Dame Judi Dench may soon be retiring from acting forever. At 88 years old, Dench is known as one of the greatest actresses of the post-war era and has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her exceptional performances on both stage and screen for nearly seven decades. But now, according to the Daily Mirror, Dench has been grappling with a degenerative eye condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is progressively affecting her ability to see and perform her craft.
Dame Judi Dench says she may have to quit acting due to her diminished eyesight making it increasingly difficult to see on set and to read scripts.
In an interview with the Daily Mirror’s Notebook magazine, Judi Dench disclosed that her eyesight has significantly declined due to the onset of AMD. This condition has left her unable to read scripts or see clearly on set, presenting challenges for an actress whose passion for her art remains as strong as ever.
Despite the hurdles that come with her condition, Judi Dench’s undefeatable spirit shines through. She revealed that learning lines has become increasingly difficult, but she doesn’t let this deter her from pursuing her passion.
In 2017, Judi Dench was forced to relinquish her driving privileges due to her declining eyesight, a decision she described as “traumatic” and “appalling.”
The actress said she learned recently that she possesses a remarkable photographic memory, which allows her to memorize lengthy scripts with the help of friends who repeat the lines to her.
The acclaimed actress has been open about her struggles, speaking candidly about her condition in interviews over the years. Back in 2012, she first announced her diagnosis of AMD, and since then, her eyesight has gradually deteriorated.
In 2020, Judi Dench made history by becoming the oldest person ever to appear on the cover of British Vogue at the age of 85.
At one point, Judi Dench could still read scripts in a larger font, but in 2021, she disclosed that reading even the newspaper or a book had become impossible.
The impact of her condition has not been limited to her professional life. In 2017, Judi Dench was forced to relinquish her driving privileges due to her declining eyesight, a decision she described as “traumatic” and “appalling.” Despite such setbacks, she remains undeterred and focuses on the things she can still do and enjoy.
Throughout her career, Dench’s contributions to the arts have been immense. She has been nominated for an Academy Award a total of eight times and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love.
She has also won two Golden Globe Awards and several BAFTA awards for her remarkable work in theater and television.
In 2020, Judi Dench made history by becoming the oldest person ever to appear on the cover of British Vogue at the age of 85. And, despite her condition, the actress continues to work. She says that even though she can no longer read scripts or see the movie set, she will try to perform “as much as I can.”
Throughout her journey with AMD, Judi Dench has expressed her determination to continue seizing each day to the fullest. A testament to her unwavering spirit, Dench had the Latin phrase “carpe diem” (seize the day) tattooed on her wrist at the age of 81 as a gift from her daughter.
This phrase encapsulates her approach to life, embracing every moment and opportunity despite the hurdles she faces.
