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The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

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

Her team verified that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact 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 vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement 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 deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."