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The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine.

Her team verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."

Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."