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The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work.

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

Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes 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 a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back 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 difficult 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 film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."