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The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine.

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when 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 at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. 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

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "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 difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Because 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. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."