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The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times 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 a crusher," Dench noted, 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."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with 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 acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition 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 film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script."

Her last screen credit was a brief part 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 Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."