🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Lines. The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her vision and memory, stating she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "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. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" 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 presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the Christmas holidays. Regarding Friends and Acquittals The star also discussed remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. 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 help me learn the script." Dench's most recent screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."