🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Reveals Recollection Challenges But Holds Onto The Bard's Verses. The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can effortlessly recite long sections of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she told a magazine. Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of sight loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can't see on a film set any more," she said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have many companions who will help me learn the script." Dench's most recent film appearance was a brief part 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 frequently in public, however, such as at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if permitted."