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The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told the Radio Times.

Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. 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.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "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. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that 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 frequently in public, however, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."