The Esteemed Actress Shares Recollection Struggles But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.

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

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.

Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of sight 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 explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

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

Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."