Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench has revealed that her worsening eyesight has left her unable to perform on stage or appear in films, bringing her seven-decade acting career to an apparent end.
The 91-year-old actress, who was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012, discussed the progression of her condition during an interview Thursday with Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4’s Today program.
“I can’t be on stage. I can’t do a play anymore. I can’t do a film anymore. I can’t read anymore,” Dench said. “So you’ve got to adjust to all that, and make allowances for it and just get on and don’t think about it too much.”
The degenerative eye condition affects central vision, making activities such as reading, recognizing faces and seeing fine details increasingly difficult. Dench has spoken publicly about her struggles with the disease for years, including her difficulty reading scripts and navigating film sets.
During the interview, Dench explained that her vision has deteriorated to the point where she can no longer recognize people’s faces, occasionally leading to awkward encounters when she mistakes strangers for acquaintances. She acknowledged that she could not see Barnett’s face during their conversation.
Dench also described the frustration of being unable to appreciate familiar sights, including the bluebells that bloomed over the summer. Although she could no longer see the flowers, she explained that her memories help her retain an appreciation for the things she once enjoyed visually.
One of Britain’s most accomplished performers, Dench began her professional stage career in the 1950s and established herself as a leading Shakespearean actress before becoming an internationally recognized film star.
She received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in 1998’s Shakespeare in Love. Her other notable film credits include Mrs. Brown, Chocolat, Iris, Notes on a Scandal, and Philomena.
For many moviegoers, Dench is perhaps best known for portraying M, the head of British intelligence, in the James Bond franchise. She debuted in the role opposite Pierce Brosnan in 1995’s GoldenEye and continued playing the character through Daniel Craig’s tenure, including a prominent role in 2012’s Skyfall.
Over the course of her career, Dench has earned an Academy Award, a Tony Award, seven Olivier Awards and numerous other honors for her contributions to film and theater.
Despite the limitations imposed by her eyesight, Dench has continued making public appearances and discussing her career. Her latest interview comes ahead of the release of her memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, written with longtime friend and theater director Brendan O’Hea.
While Dench’s comments suggest that her acting career has effectively ended, she remains pragmatic about the challenges of aging and adapting to her condition, emphasizing the importance of continuing with life rather than dwelling on what she can no longer do.