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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 easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.

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

Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.

On Friends and Exoneration

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

In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

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, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent 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 brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear frequently in public, however, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."