OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE Dame Judi's Wild adventure
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|November 25 2019
SHE’S NEARLY BLIND, BUT SHE REFUSES TO LET THAT STOP HER
Marc Baker
OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE Dame Judi's Wild adventure
Dame Judi Dench has opened up about the challenges of getting older and her battle to stay on top in her 60th year as one of the world’s biggest acting stars.

In a wide-ranging interview, the British stage and screen star, who turns 85 on December 9, admits she is fearful for the future, revealing, “People say, ‘Why don’t you retire?’ all the time. But we don’t even allow that word to be said in our family.

“People retire to paint or walk, to do the things they’ve wanted to do all their lives. I’m doing what I’ve really wanted to do all my life, and I don’t want to stop, thank you very much.”

Judi, who shares her life with conservationist David Mills (76), says losing her eyesight is the biggest challenge she’s facing, but she won’t allow it to get her down. The actress, who is set to star in a new film based on the West End musical Cats, suffers from macular degeneration, which can eventually lead to irreversible vision loss.

“A couple of years ago, I stopped driving,” she says, “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. I can’t read the paper now, I can’t do the crossword, I can’t read a book. But, you know, you cope.

Denne historien er fra November 25 2019-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 25 2019-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYSe alt
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024