Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - Oscar-winning actress and beloved James Bond star, Judi Dench has revealed that worsening sight loss from macular degeneration has left her unable to clearly see faces anymore.
Marking her 91st birthday, she described the condition as a “crusher,” admitting it has deeply affected her daily life.
Dench, known worldwide for her iconic portrayal of “M” in eight Bond films, has been living with the degenerative eye condition for more than a decade.
She previously shared that it had progressed to the point where she was effectively forced to retire. Since then, her vision has deteriorated further, and she now sees faces only “in a fog,” even at very close range.
She still turns on the television, though only to listen, she said during an interview to celebrate her birthday.
The celebrated actress has been nominated for seven Academy Awards and won best supporting actress for her powerful, eight-minute performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love.
Despite her vision issues, she said she can still remember pages of Shakespeare, even though she often forgets what she is meant to do the next day—something she admits makes her worry about cognitive decline.
When asked about Hollywood star Kevin Spacey, a longtime friend and her co-star in The Shipping News, Dench expressed unwavering support.
Spacey is currently involved in a civil court case in the UK but was previously acquitted of similar criminal charges. “Kevin has been exonerated and I hear from Kevin, we text,” she said.
She was more cautious when speaking about former movie producer Harvey Weinstein, whose behavior she has previously condemned.
Weinstein produced Shakespeare in Love and had been a friend. “I imagine he’s done his time,” she said quietly, adding that forgiveness is personal as her voice trailed off.
0 Comments