The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines.

The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.

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

Her team confirmed 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 when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"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 help me learn the script."

Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."