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The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.

Her assistants verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading 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 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 sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue 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 acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "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. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."

Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."