🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles But Retains The Bard's Verses. The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – yet can easily recall long sections of Shakespearean text. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine. Her team verified that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's devastating," she remarked, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 this week, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned staying in contact 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." In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs constant help in public for fear of falling over due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change She has credited the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Because I have many companions who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at fundraisers including a recent one last month alongside Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."