Dame Judi Dench Says Health Issue Made Her Rude to Richard Osman
Legendary actress Dame Judi Dench has revealed that she once had an awkward encounter with podcaster and television presenter Richard Osman after her sight loss caused her to mistake someone else for him. Now 91, Judi remains one of Britain’s best-known performers, celebrated for roles in the James Bond films, Shakespeare in Love and Philomena.
In recent years, Judi has faced worsening age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition the NHS says affects central vision. She inherited the condition from her mother, and it has significantly affected her ability to work and recognise people—resulting in at least one uncomfortable misunderstanding involving the 55-year-old host of Pointless Celebrities and The Rest Is Entertainment.
The story appears in her autobiography, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, which she co-wrote with her friend Brendan O’Hea. Written as a question-and-answer exchange between the pair, the book includes a discussion about Judi’s fondness for having her photograph taken alongside tall men, creating a humorous contrast with her height.
The actress, who stands just over five feet tall, explained how the tradition began before describing what happened with Osman. Judi said: “It all started with the American artist Mark Bradford. He’s six feet eight. You should see the photo – I don’t even come up to his armpit.
“I look like something you’d throw for the dog. And I’ve got a great one of me with Richard Osman. But I behaved so badly. There he was, standing around at an event, and I sidled up and said, ‘May I have my photograph taken please?’
“Only then did I realise he was talking to someone and I was so rude – no apology. It turned out to be Alexander Armstrong, I must send him a voice note. That’s what comes with not being able to see.”
While Judi’s vision problems have occasionally led to amusing moments, her diagnosis in 2012 has also brought considerable sadness. In a recent interview, she said her sight had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer read, watch a film or perform in a play.
Speaking to broadcaster Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4, Judi said: “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.”
Judi has also spoken about how sight loss can cause her to confuse one person with another. At times, she has begun moving in to hug someone, only to realise that she has mistaken their identity. Discussing ageing, she said there was “nothing to say” about it and that she tried not to think about it “too much”.
Ensure our latest Celebrity News headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
