🔗 Share this article

The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text.

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

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however 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 set for broadcast over the festive period.

Regarding Friends and Acquittals

The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope."

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

Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part 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, however, including at charity events like one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."