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The legendary actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – 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 assistants verified that such reminders 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 a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition 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 effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year 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, however, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."