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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.

Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn the script."

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

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."