Dame Judi Dench Refuses to Retire Despite Health Woes

Dame Judi Dench, 91, has shared an update on her ongoing battle with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition diagnosed in 2012. This condition, which affects central vision, means she can no longer read scripts or clearly see the television.

Despite these significant visual impairments, which also make walking unassisted challenging, Dench remains resolute in her desire to continue working. She expressed her dread of unemployment, stating she has had to act her way through life, including pretending to see.

Her recent roles have been more limited, including a cameo in "Spirited" and a voice role in "The Magic Faraway Tree." Dench also co-authored a memoir, "Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?", detailing her life and career.

She presents "Tea with Judi Dench" on Sky Arts and, thanks to her photographic memory, can still recall some lines, allowing her to adapt to her evolving circumstances while maintaining her professional spirit.