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The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, 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 disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

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: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."

"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Her last screen credit 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 Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."