🔗 Share this article

The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember 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 now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed remaining in touch 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."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement 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 haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if permitted."