🔗 Share this article

The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text.

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

Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging 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."

Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."