🔗 Share this article The Esteemed Actress Shares Memory Struggles Yet Retains The Bard's Verses. The legendary performer Judi Dench has opened up about the effects of growing older on her eyesight and memory, revealing she frequently finds it hard to remember upcoming appointments – but can easily recall long sections of the Bard's work. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she stated to the Radio Times. Her assistants confirmed that this kind of help are at times required. Dench added that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "in a fog" even when up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's a crusher," she remarked, adding 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." Dench, who turns 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary exploring her deep connection with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with 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 found not guilty of sexual assault charges in 2023. "Kevin was cleared," Dench affirmed, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench said she now requires full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She first revealed the eye condition in 2012, a progressive issue that is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK. Adapting to Change 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 so many friends who will teach me the script." Her last film appearance was a small role in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; prior to that she had a larger role in Allelujah. The same 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. She noted she would not be able to see the final artwork, but would touch it "if they let me."