Judi Dench is no longer able to work as an actor because of her eye condition.
The actor, 91, was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012, which has made it difficult for her to recognise people’s faces.
Dame Judi told BBC Radio 4: “I can’t be on stage. I can’t do a play any more. I can’t do a film any more. I can’t read any more.
“I go up to lots of the wrong people and give them a hug and say, ‘Oh sorry, didn’t realise’.”
Addressing interviewer Emma Barnett, Dench said: “I can’t see your face at all.”
The James Bond star also expressed sadness at not being able to see bluebells in the summer, saying: “They said this summer was absolutely sensational with bluebells; I couldn’t see one.
“But I know what my trees look like, and part of it is in my memory and part of it is about hopefully what I can make out.”
Dench previously told how she stopped driving a few years ago because of her deteriorating eyesight.
She told Radio Times: “A couple of years ago I stopped driving, which was one of the most traumatic moments of my life. It was absolutely appalling.
“But I just know I’ll kill somebody if I get behind the wheel of a car now.”
AMD is a common condition and does not cause total blindness, but it can make reading and recognising faces difficult.
Dench, whose career spans seven decades, has won various awards including an Oscar, two Golden Globes and six BAFTAs, and was made a dame in 1988 for her services to acting.
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I have been told I have Macular Degeneration too, but going by Judy Dench I think I'll be ok for quite a while, and by the way I LOVE MY TREES TOO. ❤️
So sad for this wonderful actor🌹..thinking of you Judy as I also have this horrible disease..
So sad to hear that Judy…you could always go out to a field of bluebells and touch them, and your memory will kick in and you will see them in your heart 💙
There’s nothing wrong with bowing out gracefully.
You have contributed to many of our lives with your outstanding career in acting achievements , both on the big screen and small screen.
At least for the things you can’t see , you have vision of them in your memory.Relax and enjoy what life has left for you.😘
So sad to hear. Such a wonderful actor and a fabulous character. Forever on celluloid. She will be missed.
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