🔗 Share this article Judi Dench Shares Memory Struggles But Holds Onto Shakespeare Lines. The legendary actress Judi Dench has spoken candidly about the effects of aging on her vision and recall, revealing she often struggles to recall immediate plans – yet can easily recall extensive passages of the Bard's work. "I have no memory of what I'm doing tomorrow, I promise you," she told the Radio Times. Her assistants verified that this kind of help are sometimes required. She further mentioned that her degenerative eye condition now means faces to appear "blurred" even when up close. A 'Crusher' of a Condition "It's a crusher," Dench noted, adding that it prevents her from watching television. "I miss seeing Clive Myrie presenting Mastermind," she said, "but I can at least hear the questions." The actress, celebrating 91 on Tuesday, is fronting a new documentary about her longstanding relationship with Shakespeare's works. She will also be seen in conversation with Kenneth Branagh in another programme set for broadcast over the festive period. On Friends and Exoneration The star also discussed staying in contact with actor Kevin Spacey, who was acquitted of assault allegations in 2023. "Kevin has been exonerated," she stated, "and we are in contact, we text." In recent months, Dench disclosed she needs full-time assistance in public to avoid tripping due to her failing eyesight. She was first diagnosed with the eye condition in 2012, a progressive disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the UK. Adapting to Change Dench has attributed the condition with her effective stepping back from acting. "I can no longer see properly on set," she explained, and continued: "And I can't see to read. 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 help me learn the script." Her last screen credit was a brief part in the 2022 Christmas movie Spirited; earlier that year she had a more substantial part in Allelujah. That year also earned her her eighth Academy Award nod for Belfast. Remaining in the Public Eye She continues to appear often at events, however, including at charity events including a recent one last month with Ian McKellen. This past spring, she participated in a live sculpture for charity. She noted she could not see the finished sculpture, but would touch it "if they let me."