Dame Judi's Driving Fear 'This Might Be My Last Job'

The Actress Tells Why She’s More Focused Than Ever

She’s been losing her sight steadily since being diagnosed with macular degeneration in 2012, but in true Dame Judi Dench spirit, the legendary actress has managed to find quite a satisfying positive.

“Because I can only really see someone when I’m six inches away now, I have to get very close to people – and I mean extremely close.

“Which,” she tells, “is handy with the fellas – wonderful, really. And you have to find a silver lining, don’t you?”

Despite not being able to see much of her co-stars any more, Dame Judi (84) hasn’t let a little thing like a lack of sight stop her career. In fact, she has not one but two films currently playing in New Zealand cinemas

– All is True, a Sir

Kenneth Branagh telling of William Shakespeare’s final days in which she portrays his wife Anne Hathaway, and Red Joan, a film based on the true story of Brit Melita Norwood, who was exposed as the KGB’s longest-serving spy – with four more projects in development.

The reason for her jampacked work calendar? Judi fears her career is about to end.