🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Challenges Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses. The iconic performer Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of aging on her eyesight and recall, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember immediate plans – but can effortlessly recite extensive passages of Shakespearean text. "I can't remember what I'm doing tomorrow, I swear to you," she stated to a magazine. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are sometimes necessary. 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 a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "however I can still hear the questions." Dench, who turns 91 this week, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen being interviewed by Kenneth Branagh in a separate show airing 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 we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench said she needs constant help in public to avoid falling over due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed age-related macular degeneration in 2012, a degenerative issue that is the leading cause 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 said in 2023, adding: "Reading is also impossible. But you just deal with it." "It's challenging if I have a substantial role. 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; prior to that she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. The same year also brought her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. A Continued Public Presence She continues to appear often at events, nevertheless, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she was sculpted live for charity. Dench said she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would feel it "if permitted."