🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her vision and memory, stating she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "in a fog" even up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least 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 a separate show airing 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 has been exonerated," she stated, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease 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 acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script." Dench's most recent screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye Dench still appears frequently in public, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, 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 permitted."