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The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.

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

Her team verified that this kind of help are at times 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 devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back 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 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."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."