Judi Dench Opens Up About Vision Loss and Life Adjustments at 90

Judi Dench, the iconic English actress renowned for her powerful performances on stage and screen, revealed this month that her vision loss has reached a stage where she no longer feels comfortable attending high-profile events, like red-carpet premieres, on her own.

In a candid discussion on the podcast "Fearless," hosted by English television personality Trinny Woodall, the 90-year-old actress shared, "I have to now because I can't see and I'll walk into something." Dench, known for her memorable role as M in seven James Bond films, has been a formidable figure in the entertainment industry since her career began in the late 1950s.

Dench was honored as a dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988, but her personal challenges have become more prominent in recent years. The legendary actress has openly discussed her battle with age-related macular degeneration, a common eye condition that frequently leads to vision loss in older adults. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this condition affects millions; in fact, around 19.8 million Americans aged 40 and older were estimated to have it by 2019.

In her conversation with Woodall, Dench reflected on how navigating glamorous events has changed for her. "I was never particularly good at it when I was doing it alone, and nor would I be now," she admitted, adding with humor, “Fortunately, I don’t have to be now because I pretend to have no eyesight.”

Despite her vision challenges, Dench remains determined to continue her work in the industry. She acknowledged the difficulty of reading scripts and seeing well on film sets, stating, "It’s difficult for me if I have any length of a part. I haven’t yet found a way." Luckily, with a sharp photographic memory and the support of friends who help her learn lines, she is still active in her profession.

Dench's most recent film appearances include a delightful cameo in the 2022 festive film "Spirited" and a role in the critically acclaimed "Belfast" (2021), which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Dench has also performed in a two-person show titled "I Remember It Well" with her friend Gyles Brandreth in Britain throughout 2023 and 2024, where she reminisces about her rich life experiences.

Judi Dench remains a symbol of resilience and talent, continuing to inspire audiences with her incredible career and unwavering spirit, even as she copes with the challenges of aging.