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The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember 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 required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, 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 a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges 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 to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

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

"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. 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 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."