Judi Dench rejects retirement and discusses life with vision loss

In a recent interview with The Times, 91-year-old Oscar-winning actress Judi Dench expressed her desire to avoid retirement and her distaste for being labeled a ‘national treasure.’ She stated that the term makes her feel like a ‘dusty old relic’ and expressed a wish to banish words such as ‘retire,’ ‘vintage,’ and ‘old.’

Dench shared her vision for her end of life, stating she wishes to die in a theatre dressing room after a performance, similar to Newton Blick. She also remarked that she wants to be among the women who are still active, such as jumping from planes, even at age 100.

Despite her long career, which includes playing M in eight James Bond films, Dench faces challenges due to age-related macular degeneration. Since 2012, the condition has significantly impaired her central vision, making it difficult to read scripts or recognize faces. She has adapted by relying on others and utilizing her photographic memory to learn lines.