🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Reveals Memory Struggles But Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The iconic actress Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine. Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in another programme airing over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench said she now requires constant help in public to avoid tripping due to her vision problems. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision 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 explained, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have any length of a part. I have not discovered a way. Because I have so many friends who will teach me the script." Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if they let me."