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The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

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

Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about 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 staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it."

"It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That 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 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 feel it "if permitted."