🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Recollection Challenges But Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and memory, 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 told a magazine. Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it means she can no longer watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "but I can still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period. Regarding Friends and Acquittals The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," 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. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script." Dench's most recent 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. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."