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The iconic performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine.

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

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

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

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

In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of sight 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, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will help me learn the script."

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."