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The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."