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The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.

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

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 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 another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "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 difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie 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

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."