🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Challenges But Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, stating she frequently finds it hard to recall immediate plans – but can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to a magazine. Her team verified that such reminders are sometimes necessary. Dench added 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, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I long to see Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she said, "however I can at least hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. Audiences will also see her being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration Dench also mentioned remaining in touch with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a progressive disease that is the primary reason of vision loss in the UK. Coping with New Realities She has credited the condition with her effective stepping back from film work. "I can't see on a film set any more," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's difficult if I have a substantial role. I have not discovered a way. Since I have so many friends who will help me learn the script." Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 holiday film Spirited; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence Dench still appears frequently in public, however, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she participated in a live sculpture to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."