🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Recollection Struggles Yet Holds Onto Shakespeare Verses. The iconic actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of growing older on her vision and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to recall upcoming appointments – but can effortlessly recite long sections of the Bard's work. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told a magazine. Her assistants confirmed that such reminders are sometimes required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A Condition That 'Crushes' "It's a crusher," Dench noted, explaining that it means she can no longer watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie hosting Mastermind," she continued, "but I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is leading a new documentary exploring her deep connection with the works of Shakespeare. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the Christmas holidays. Regarding Friends and Acquittals Dench also mentioned staying in contact with fellow actor Kevin Spacey, who was found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and I hear from Kevin, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she now requires constant help in public for fear of tripping due to her vision problems. She first revealed the eye condition 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 de facto retirement from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she said in 2023, adding: "And I can't see to read. But you just cope." "It's challenging if I have any length of a part. I haven't yet found a way. Since I have many companions who will teach me the script." Her last screen credit was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same year also earned her her eighth Oscar nomination for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear often at events, however, such as at charity events like one last month with Ian McKellen. In May, she was sculpted live to raise funds. Dench said she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."