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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

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

Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

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

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."