🔗 Share this article

The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of the Bard's work.

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

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

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can still hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast 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 has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

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, and continued: "And I can't see to read. 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."

Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as 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 could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."