Judi Dench says macular degeneration prevents her acting
- British actress Judi Dench can no longer work in films or theatre due to age-related macular degeneration, the Oscar-winning star announced in an interview with BBC Radio 4.
- Dench explained that the progression of her condition has forced a permanent end to her decades-long acting career.
- The visual impairment also affects her daily routine, occasionally leading to awkward social encounters where she approaches or attempts to hug strangers by mistake.
British actress Judi Dench can no longer work in films or theatre due to age-related macular degeneration, the Oscar-winning star announced in an interview with BBC Radio 4. The 91-year-old performer, diagnosed with the degenerative eye condition in 2012, stated that her failing vision prevents her from reading scripts, memorizing lines, and performing on stage or on camera.
The Impact of Macular Degeneration on Career and Daily Life
Dench explained that the progression of her condition has forced a permanent end to her decades-long acting career.
« Je ne peux plus monter sur scène. Je ne peux plus jouer dans des pièces de théâtre. Je ne peux plus tourner de films. Je ne peux plus lire »
Judi Dench
During her final years on film sets, she struggled to see clearly and experienced severe difficulties learning her dialogue.
The visual impairment also affects her daily routine, occasionally leading to awkward social encounters where she approaches or attempts to hug strangers by mistake. When asked about aging by the broadcaster, Dench offered a blunt assessment.
« Il n’y a absolument rien de positif à en dire. »
Judi Dench
She added that she tries not to dwell on the subject.
Legacy in Film and the James Bond Franchise
Dench built an acclaimed cinematic career with prominent roles in Shakespeare in Love
, Le Crime de l’Orient-Express
, and Chocolat
. Her most famous recurring part remains M, the head of MI6 and superior to James Bond.
She made history in 1995 as the first woman to portray the character, debuting in GoldenEye
. As industry speculation continues regarding the identity of the next actor to take over the 007 franchise, Dench declined to comment on whether she holds a personal preference for the role.