The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Lines.

The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.

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

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

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," 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 vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."

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

Dench's most recent film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."