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The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work.

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

Her assistants verified that such reminders are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading 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 festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of sight 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 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 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."