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The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and recall, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

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

Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining 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."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over 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 no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."