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The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall 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 assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease 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 film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."

"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at charity events like 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 they let me."