🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The legendary performer Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of growing older on her eyesight and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – yet can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times. Her team confirmed that such reminders are at times necessary. She further mentioned that her age-related macular degeneration now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's devastating," she remarked, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show set for broadcast over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow 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 said she needs constant help 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 leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, and continued: "Reading is also impossible. But you just cope." "It's challenging 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." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear frequently in public, nevertheless, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. She noted she would not be able to see the finished sculpture, but would feel it "if permitted."