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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles 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 stated to the Radio Times.

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

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, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

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

Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears often at events, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."