I can't be on stage, I can't read anymore
Veteran actress Judi Dench has announced her retirement from acting due to worsening age-related macular degeneration. The 91-year-old star stated that her condition prevents her from reading scripts or performing on stage.
Why it matters
The announcement marks the end of a legendary seven-decade career and brings public awareness to the impact of degenerative eye conditions on the elderly.
Judi Dench has said she is no longer able to work as an actor because of her eye condition.
The actress, 91, was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2012, which has made it difficult for her to recognise people's faces.
Dench told BBC Radio 4’s Today : "I can’t be on stage. I can’t do a play anymore. I can’t do a film anymore. I can’t read anymore."
She added: "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, she 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.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Judi Dench Says Deteriorating Eyesight Ends Her Acting Career
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