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

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

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "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 age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "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. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."