Judi Dench quits acting as vision loss worsens
Dame Judi Dench can no longer act, read, or recognise faces due to age-related macular degeneration diagnosed in 2012.
At 91, British acting legend Dame Judi Dench has revealed that age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diagnosed in 2012, has ended her ability to perform. Speaking to BBC Radio 4 this week, she said she cannot act on stage, do films, or read any more.
The eye condition has made it hard to recognise people's faces. She sometimes approaches the wrong person by mistake.
Despite the challenges, she remains candid about ageing and says she does not dwell on it much. She is releasing a memoir written with theatre director Brendan O'Hea.
Throughout her seven-decade career, she won an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love and became famous worldwide as James Bond's boss, M.
- 91
- Age
- 2012
- Diagnosis year
- More than 7 decades
- Career span
- 1999, Shakespeare in Love
- Oscar win
Why it mattersHer openness challenges the invisibility around ageing and disability in public life and media.
AustraliaNo direct Australian consequence; age-related macular degeneration affects many Australians too, making her story particularly relevant locally.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
