🔗 Share this article

The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but 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 assistants verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."

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

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of sight 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 said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."

"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film 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

Dench still appears often at events, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month with 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."