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The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her 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 actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration 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 film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "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 help me learn the script."

Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."