🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Retains Shakespeare Lines. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the impact of aging on her eyesight and memory, stating she often struggles to remember 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 the Radio Times. Her team verified that such reminders are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition currently causes faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's devastating," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "however I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with the works of Shakespeare. Audiences will also see her 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 fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." Earlier this year, Dench disclosed 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 vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change 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 cope." "It's challenging if I have a substantial role. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script." Her last film appearance was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. That year also brought her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear frequently in public, however, including at fundraisers like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."