Legendary actress Dame Judi Dench recently opened up about the medical condition that has severely impaired her eyesight, leading to significant vision loss. In a recent interview, the 86-year-old actress said that she “can’t recognize anybody now.”
Judi Dench reveals she ‘can’t recognize anybody now’ after macular degeneration diagnosis
During a conversation with ITV News, the Shakespeare in Love actress shared a heartbreaking update on her medical condition.
When the interviewer asked Dench why she doesn’t appear on camera anymore, the Skyfall actress responded, “Because I can’t see anymore.”
Judi Dench has macular degeneration (AMD), an age-related condition that progressively impairs central vision, making it difficult to recognize faces. She was first diagnosed in 2012, and her vision has worsened over the years.
Sir Ian McKellen, who was also alongside Dench in the interview, swiftly responded, “But we can see you.” The actress then replied that she can see the “outline” only because she knows him “so well.”
The Academy-winning actress continued, “But I can’t recognize anybody now.” She added, “It’s because I can’t see. I can’t see the television, and I can’t see to read.”
The Lord of the Rings alumn jokingly said, “But you up to total strangers and say, ‘It’s lovely to see you again.’” Judi Dench responded with laughter, “Yes, sometimes.”
When asked if she does theater at least, the actress responded, “Well, no.”
Elsewhere in the interview, McKellen praised Dench for her talent. He said, “Judy is a great actor on top of everything else. So very, very special.” She replied, “You see, I adore him, and the memory of him being here.”
McKellen then joked, “Well, I don’t know. She’s had so many men in her life,” to which the actress quipped, “You speak for yourself.” The two then shared a laugh.
Judi Dench and Ian McKellen famously starred together in the Royal Shakespeare Company production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in 1976. Now, 50 years after their iconic play, the two veterans have reunited to support a new approach to teaching Shakespeare in schools.
