Dench and McKellen Discuss Vision Decline in ITV Interview

Judi Dench revealed that her eyesight has deteriorated significantly to the point where she struggles to recognize people or read. The renowned actress addressed these issues during a recent ITV interview alongside fellow actor Ian McKellen.

Asked why she had stepped away from performing, Dench explained that vision loss was the primary factor. She noted being able to identify shapes but struggling with facial recognition. “I can’t see anymore. I’ve got… that thing,” she stated regarding her declining eyesight.

McKellen offered a lighthearted response about audiences’ ability to enjoy her work despite these impairments, while also asking if Dench had ever mistaken strangers for acquaintances out of confusion.

Dench discussed the challenges facing her in recent years. She explained that without good vision, it’s difficult to read scripts or see well enough to perform on set. “I can’t see on a film set anymore… I can’t see much,” she said previously about the limitations imposed by macular degeneration and advanced age.

Even with these obstacles, Dench has maintained performing in controlled stage environments where falling is not an issue. She emphasized that memorizing lines remains difficult because she cannot read them directly but expressed confidence in finding alternative methods to learn her parts without relying on traditional reading techniques.

Her recent interview comes after several others discussing how her vision impairment affects her daily life and work capabilities within the entertainment industry sphere of activity, requiring constant adjustments from colleagues to support her tasks.