Oscar-winning actress and iconic James Bond star Judi Dench has disclosed that her worsening macular degeneration has reached the point where she can no longer clearly recognise faces.
As she celebrated her 91st birthday, Dench described the condition as “devastating,” admitting it has significantly impacted her everyday life.
Dench, best known for her acclaimed role as “M” in eight Bond films, has been managing the degenerative eye disease for over ten years. She previously revealed that the progression of the condition had essentially forced her into retirement. Her sight has since deteriorated further, and she now sees faces only as “a blur,” even when they are very close.
During her birthday interview, she said she still switches on the television, though mostly to listen rather than watch.
The celebrated actress has earned seven Academy Award nominations and won Best Supporting Actress for her memorable eight-minute performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love.
Despite her vision challenges, Dench said she can still recite pages of Shakespeare from memory, although she often forgets her schedule for the next day — something that occasionally makes her worry about her cognitive health.
When asked about Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey, her longtime friend and co-star in The Shipping News, Dench expressed strong support. Spacey is currently facing a civil case in the UK but was previously acquitted of related criminal charges. “Kevin has been exonerated. We stay in touch; we text,” she said.
She was more reserved when discussing former producer Harvey Weinstein, whose conduct she has publicly criticised in the past. Weinstein, who produced Shakespeare in Love, was once a friend. “I imagine he’s done his time,” she said softly, adding that forgiveness is a personal matter.
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