Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto The Bard's Verses.

The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, stating she often struggles to remember immediate plans – yet can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.

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

Her team verified that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's a crusher," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions."

Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period.

On Friends and Exoneration

The star also discussed staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK.

Coping with New Realities

She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, adding: "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 teach me the script."

Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast.

Remaining in the Public Eye

She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."