Dame Judi Dench looks back with gratitude on a life in the spotlight

With a career that has spanned decades, Dame Judi Dench has long been a beloved force in the world of entertainment.

From the moment she stepped onto the stage in the 1950s, to her countless acclaimed performances on both screen and stage, Dench has captivated generations. Yet, even after all these years, the legendary actress remains genuinely humbled by her journey.

“I feel very lucky to be part of the two per cent of people who wanted to do something and were able to make a living at it,” Dench told My Weekly magazine.

“I never cease to be grateful of the fact that I am able to do a job that I really love – I never got over that. … the key to happiness is gratitude.

“Be thankful for what you have, and you’ll find abundance in every aspect of your life. I’m in love with life even though it is a beautiful mess – but that’s what makes it so incredible.”

Despite her enduring passion for acting, Dench has faced significant challenges in recent years. She has been battling age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive eye condition that has severely affected her vision.

According to the Macular Disease Foundation Australia, AMD is a common condition among the elderly and “is responsible for half of all blindness and severe vision loss in this country”.

Per the MD Foundation’s website, AMD “affects the ability to read, watch TV, and recognise faces. But, by itself, AMD doesn’t lead to total vision loss (black blindness).”

As her eyesight has deteriorated, Dench now requires assistance to navigate daily life safely.

“Somebody will always be with me; I have to now because I can’t see and I will walk into something or fall over,” she shared during a recent appearance on Trinny Woodall’s Fearless podcast, as per The Express.

Dench seems to welcome the support, admitting that she is “not very good” at being on her own.

“I’m always nervous before going to something. I have no idea why…I’m not good at being on my own at all, nor would I be now,” she said.

“And fortunately, I don’t have to now because I pretend to have no eyesight,” she later quipped.

-with BANG.