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The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.

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

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with 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 found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive 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't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "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 many companions 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 Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."