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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.

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

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 when up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of sight 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 explained, 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 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 brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."