🔗 Share this article

The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work.

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

Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close.

A 'Crusher' of a Condition

"It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can still hear the questions."

The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about 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 remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text."

Earlier this year, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK.

Adapting to Change

Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just deal with it."

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

Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast.

A Continued Public Presence

Dench still appears frequently in public, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."