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

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

Her team confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."

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

On Friends and Exoneration

Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease 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 cope."

"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

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

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears often at events, however, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."