🔗 Share this article

The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she often struggles to remember upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.

"I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times.

Her assistants verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring 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 festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

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," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope."

"It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script."

Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."