The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines.

The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text.

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

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes required. Dench added that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even up close.

A Condition That 'Crushes'

"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however 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 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," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease 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 deal with it."

"It's difficult 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 film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned 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 with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if they let me."