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The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, stating she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times.

Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. 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, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging 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."

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

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."