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The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

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

Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."

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

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease 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 film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."

Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."