The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses.

The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing 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 promise you," she told the Radio Times.

Her team confirmed that such reminders are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

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

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "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 any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have many companions who will help me learn 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. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, including at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."