The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Lines.

The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she needs full-time assistance in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

"It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because 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. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."