Judi Dench: I can no longer act in plays and films or read

Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench has revealed that due to an eye condition, she can no longer perform on stage, act in films, or read. She was diagnosed more than ten years ago, writes the BBC.

In 2012, Judi Dench was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration — a condition that affects vision and has made it extremely difficult for her to even recognize faces.

In an interview with Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the actress said: "I can't go on stage. I can't participate in plays anymore. I can't act in films anymore. I can't read anymore."

She also revealed that due to the illness, she sometimes finds herself in awkward situations. For example, she might approach the wrong person and even try to hug them before realizing her mistake.

When asked about old age, the 91-year-old actress replied: "There's nothing to talk about. I try not to think about it too much."

Her career spans more than seven decades. Judi Dench is one of Britain's most renowned and respected actresses, who has left a significant mark in theatre, television, and film. In Britain, she is officially called and written as Dame Judi Dench — an honorary title, analogous to Sir for men.

In 1999, Judi Dench won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in the film "Shakespeare in Love." She also gained international fame for her role as "M," James Bond's boss. The actress first appeared in this role in the film "GoldenEye" in 1995, becoming the first woman to play the part.

However, her deteriorating eyesight increasingly affected her ability to work. The actress had previously said that she found it difficult to see on film sets and memorize scripts.

Despite her condition, Judi Dench continues to make public appearances and speak openly about how she adapts to life with declining vision. She noted that "radio has always held a special place in my life."

The actress gave the BBC interview ahead of the release of her memoirs titled "Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?" She co-wrote the book with theatre director Brendan O'Hea.

During the conversation, Judi Dench recalled being invited to lunch by former head of British intelligence MI6, Sir David Spedding. She described the experience as "very exciting."

Judi Dench is well-known for starring in several James Bond films, playing M — the head of intelligence and Bond's boss.

When the actress asked where the driver should drop her off, she was told: "No, no, we'll send a car for you, we'll come and pick you up."

However, Judi was about 20 minutes late because the driver couldn't find her house.

"I said: 'I'm sorry I'm so late: your driver couldn't find my house.' I really enjoyed that," the actress recalled.

When asked if she had an opinion on who should play the next James Bond, Judi Dench simply replied: "No."

The actress also spoke about meeting American actor Sidney Poitier, who in 1964 became the first Black actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor.

At the time, Judi Dench was performing in the play "Amy's View" in New York. After one of the shows, Poitier came backstage. The actress recalled that director Richard Eyre was in her dressing room giving her notes when someone knocked on the door.

She said she felt as if she was in a wind tunnel when Poitier entered the room, adding: "It was incredible."

When asked what she said to him, Judi Dench replied: "Not much. I just stood there with my mouth open. He's so charming. And very tall."

The conversation then turned to her love for Shakespeare's work. The actress recalled watching her brother play King Duncan in "Macbeth" when she was nine years old.

"He came on stage and said: 'What is this man in blood?' I thought: 'My God, this is for me.' He said 'in blood' — did you hear that?"

Judi Dench also confessed that she was crazy about Shakespeare's sonnets.

"It's all about the rhythm. The rhythm of your heart," she added. "It's about how he so simply and precisely conveyed the feelings that each of us feels at one time or another — and indeed, at any time."

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