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The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

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

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."