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The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

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

Her team confirmed that such reminders are at times required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "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 failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. 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 small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."