Dame Judi Dench, the iconic actress known for her role as M in the James Bond series, has shared a poignant update regarding her health, stating that she “can’t leave home alone” anymore.
In a conversation with Trinny Woodall on the Fearless podcast, Dame Judi opened up about her struggles, as she said: “Somebody will always be with me. I have to (have them) now because I can’t see and I will walk into something or fall over.”
The distinguished actress, who has never liked attending events by herself, expressed that due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), she no longer has a choice and must always be accompanied.
She remarked: “I’m always nervous before going to something. I have no idea why. I’m not good at that at all. Not at all. Nor would I be now. And fortunately, I don’t have to be now because I pretend to have no eyesight.”
First diagnosed with AMD in 2012, the 90-year-old star faces a condition common among thousands in the UK, as the leading cause of vision loss affecting around 700,000 people. This deterioration in her eyesight has also impacted another facet of her illustrious career – her ability to memorise lines.
In a candid discussion about her condition in 2023, Dame Judi Dench opened up: “And I can’t see to read. But you just deal with it. It’s difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven’t yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script,” reports Surrey Live.
Celebrated as one of the nation’s most esteemed actresses, Dame Judi has graced both stage and screen with a myriad of performances over the years. She is particularly lauded for her on-stage portrayals in William Shakespeare’s classics like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth.
Beyond theatre, she has earned global recognition for portraying M in the last eight James Bond films. Throughout her illustrious career, she has been honoured with numerous acting accolades, but being appointed a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988 stands out as one of her most cherished commendations to date.