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The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.

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

Her assistants verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "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 brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears often at events, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."