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The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.

Her team verified that such reminders are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, 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

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "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 challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script."

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

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."