Judi Dench Says She “Can’t Recognize Anybody” Due to Eye Condition: “I Can’t See Anymore”

Legendary British actress Dame Judi Dench has revealed that her worsening eyesight has made it nearly impossible for her to recognize people or continue acting. The Oscar-winning star, 90, opened up about her health struggles during a recent interview with ITV alongside fellow actor Sir Ian McKellen.

When asked about her decision to step away from acting, Dench candidly admitted, “I can’t see anymore. I’ve got, you know, that thing.” McKellen playfully responded that her vision issues haven’t stopped audiences from seeing her brilliance on stage, prompting Dench to laugh before adding, “Yes, and I can see your outline, and I know you so well. But I can’t recognize anybody now. … I can’t see the television, I can’t see to read.”

McKellen then joked, “But do you go up to total strangers and say, ‘Lovely to see you again?’” Dench replied with her trademark wit, “Sometimes.”

Struggles with Vision and Acting

The beloved actress, known for her roles in Skyfall, Shakespeare in Love, and Philomena, has been battling age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common eye condition that causes loss of central vision.

Dench has previously discussed her difficulty with reading scripts and memorizing lines, telling The Graham Norton Show in 2023 that her condition made it “impossible” to continue performing the way she used to.

“It has become impossible, and because I have a photographic memory, I need to find a machine that not only teaches me my lines but also tells me where they appear on the page,” she explained. “I used to find it very easy to learn lines and remember them. I could do the whole of Twelfth Night right now.”

Keeping Her Humor Through Challenges

Despite the challenges, Dench continues to face her condition with humor and resilience. Recalling a memorable stage moment, she shared, “I was doing The Winter’s Tale with Kenneth Branagh a couple of years ago, playing Paulina, and after we had been running for three weeks or so at the Garrick, he said to me — I have a long speech at the end — he said: ‘Judi, if you were to say that speech about eight feet to your right, you’d be saying it to me and not to the pros.’ I rely on people to tell me!”

Her warmth and wit have earned her admiration from fans and colleagues alike, many of whom have praised her perseverance in the face of a difficult diagnosis.

A Legacy That Endures

Although Dench’s eyesight has limited her ability to perform, her legacy remains one of the most celebrated in British theater and film. With a career spanning over six decades, she has earned an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, a Tony, and seven Olivier Awards.

While her health may have forced her to step back from acting, Dench’s enduring spirit and sense of humor continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

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