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The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.

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

Her team verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned 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."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative 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, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions 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 more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."