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The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, 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 the Radio Times.

Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are at times required. Dench added 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," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions."

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

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, 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 degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn 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. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."